UN Urged to Confront Iran Over Surge in Executions

UN member states are being called upon to address the Iranian government’s escalating use of the death penalty, which has seen more than 1,000 executions since the beginning of 2025. This alarming trend was highlighted by Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International, during a statement made on Thursday.

Baoumi emphasized the need for international action, describing the Iranian authorities’ approach as the “weaponization” of capital punishment. He noted that the frequency of executions in Iran, averaging approximately four per day, has not been witnessed since 1989. This increase coincides with intensified measures to quell dissent following the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests that erupted in 2022.

Concerns Over Execution Practices

Amnesty International criticized the Iranian government’s use of the death penalty for vague charges that appear politically motivated, including “enmity against God” and “corruption on earth.” These allegations, often levied against marginalized groups, fail to meet the international legal criteria necessary for capital punishment. Furthermore, many of those sentenced to death face trials in Revolutionary Courts, which lack the independence required to deliver fair justice and often collaborate with Iran’s security and intelligence forces.

Baoumi described how communities from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic minorities, such as Afghans, Ahwazi Arabs, Baluchis, and Kurds, are disproportionately affected by these executions. The rights group asserts that the Iranian judicial system is fundamentally flawed, leading to grossly unfair trials that violate basic human rights.

International Legal Obligations

Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a treaty that explicitly protects the right to life and restricts the application of the death penalty. Article 6 (2) states that in countries that have not abolished the death penalty, it may only be imposed for the most serious crimes and must comply with domestic law as well as international standards. Additionally, Article 6 (4) affirms the right of individuals sentenced to death to seek pardon or commutation.

The surge in executions has drawn the attention of UN experts, who have expressed grave concerns regarding this troubling trend. They argue that the increase represents a significant escalation that contravenes international human rights laws. In 2024, Iran was among only four nations, alongside Singapore, China, and Saudi Arabia, where executions for drug offenses were confirmed, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on capital punishment.

Amnesty International’s findings indicate that global executions reached their highest level since 2015 last year, underscoring a disturbing shift in the landscape of capital punishment worldwide. The organization urges the international community to take a stand against Iran’s human rights violations and advocate for a halt to the ongoing executions.