Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush mostly peaceful protests demanding the fall of the Islamic Republic system. Security forces have used unlawful lethal force leading to mass killings and horrific injuries. Since 8 January, authorities have cut all internet access to conceal their crimes. Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran.
What is the problem?
People in Iran, outraged at decades of repression, have poured into the streets since 28 December 2025 demanding fundamental change and a political system respecting human rights and dignity. They have been met with unprecedented lethal repression by security forces, carrying out mass killings under the cover of digital darkness since 8 January.
Protests erupted following a sharp currency collapse and chronic state mismanagement of essential services and worsening living conditions. Starting with shop closures and strikes in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, protests evolved into mass nationwide street demonstrations calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic system.
We have documented how security forces repeatedly and unlawfully fired rifles and shotguns loaded with metal pellets at unarmed protesters. Medical facilities have been overwhelmed with the injured, while distraught families searched for their missing loved ones in overflowing morgues, hospitals and even piles of bodies in warehouses and freight containers.
Amid sweeping arrests, detained protesters and other dissidents are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment, as well as the death penalty given orders by the head of judiciary to show “no leniency” against those who dare to stand up against the Islamic Republic system.
UN member states must take urgent diplomatic action to protect protesters from further massacres and confront the systemic impunity that is driving the bloodshed.
This includes convening special sessions at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council to deter further massacres and pursue international criminal justice, including referring Iran to the International Criminal Court.
What can you do to help?
Sign the petition to call on UN member states to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately stop the protest bloodshed in Iran and hold Iranian authorities to account.
