On July 1, 2024, the third day of the Free Iran World Summit convened under the theme “Crimes Against Humanity and Accountability for Perpetrators.” This global gathering brought together leaders, lawmakers, judges, legal experts, and human rights activists from around the world to discuss the dire human rights situation in Iran, with a specific focus on extrajudicial executions and systematic disappearances.
The summit, attended by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), alongside numerous international personalities and human rights advocates, aimed to shed light on the massacre of political prisoners in Iran and the systematic repression that has persisted for decades.
In her address, Mrs. Rajavi paid tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the struggle for human rights in Iran. She highlighted the grim reality faced by dissidents under the oppressive regime, enduring torture, solitary confinement, and the constant threat of execution. Mrs. Rajavi emphasized that these brave individuals have forsaken their own rights to help the Iranian people secure theirs.
Iran’s Troubling Human Rights Record
The summit underscored Iran’s dubious distinction of holding contemporary world records in various forms of repression. According to reports, at least 500,000 people have been imprisoned and tortured for political reasons, with over 100,000 political prisoners executed. Iran also maintains one of the highest execution rates globally, with three-quarters of the world’s recorded executions in the previous year taking place in the country.
The absence of international accountability for these crimes has emboldened the Iranian regime to continue its brutal practices. The summit highlighted a series of atrocities committed by the regime, including the massacre of Kurdish people, mass executions in the 1980s, the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, and brutal crackdowns on protesters in 2009, 2017-2018, 2019, and 2022.
Systematic Repression and Control
Speakers at the summit emphasized that human rights violations in Iran are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic repression deeply entrenched in every facet of society. This pervasive control extends from educational institutions and workplaces to administrative units, the internet, and both urban and rural environments.
The regime employs a vast network of organizations to maintain its grip on power. These include the Basij paramilitary forces, disciplinary committees, Herasat (security offices), and representatives of the Supreme Leader in universities. In workplaces, workers face constant surveillance from multiple angles, including the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and various government bodies.
The summit also highlighted the particularly severe oppression faced by ethnic minorities, religious groups, and women. Twelve ministries and 20 security and political institutions are dedicated to suppressing women and enforcing the compulsory hijab, illustrating the regime’s obsession with controlling every aspect of citizens’ lives.
International Support for Iranian Resistance
Several international figures voiced their support for the Iranian people and their organized resistance. Former Norwegian MP Lars Rise spoke about his 25-year involvement with the Iranian Resistance movement, noting the increased strength of the opposition and the regime’s growing vulnerability. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting the Resistance Units within Iran, which play a crucial role in sparking and sustaining protests against the regime.
Former French Minister Alain Vivien called for the international recognition of the Iranian Resistance, drawing parallels to Britain’s recognition of the French Resistance during World War II. He condemned the regime’s practice of using hostages as bargaining chips in international negotiations.
Marit Nybakk, former Deputy Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament, highlighted the regime’s continued suppression of the Iranian people, particularly women. She pointed out Iran’s world record in public executions and death penalties, with 257 executions already carried out in 2024, following 1,864 in 2023. Nybakk endorsed the NCRI under Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership as the most viable alternative to the current regime, praising their Ten-Point Plan for a future democratic Iran.
Legal Perspectives and International Action
French jurist Gilles Paruelle emphasized the importance of restoring justice for achieving democracy in Iran. He criticized the regime’s practice of using foreign citizens as hostages and trading them for Iranian agents involved in terrorist activities abroad. Paruelle called for an end to this policy and stressed the need for a true justice system to address the regime’s crimes.
Joachim Rueker, former President of the UN Human Rights Council, expressed satisfaction with the UN’s response to human rights violations in Iran. He praised the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Professor Javaid Rehman, who recently concluded that the 1988 massacre of political prisoners amounted to crimes against humanity and potentially genocide. Rueker also commended the extension of the mandate for the international fact-finding mission on Iran.
Dr. Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association, stressed the importance of remembering the victims of repression in Iran, including Mahsa Amini and others killed by Iranian security forces. He argued that the regime’s actions constitute crimes against humanity and genocide, emphasizing the concept of universal jurisdiction in bringing perpetrators to justice. Ellis highlighted recent examples of universal jurisdiction being applied in cases related to Syria and expressed hope for similar action regarding Iran.
Conclusion
The Third Day of the Free Iran 2024 World Summit served as a powerful platform to expose the Iranian regime’s ongoing human rights abuses and call for international accountability. The event brought together a diverse group of global leaders, legal experts, and human rights advocates who unanimously condemned the systematic repression in Iran and voiced support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
As the summit concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Iranian Resistance and working towards a free, democratic, and secular Iran. The event underscored the urgent need for concerted international action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its crimes and to support the Iranian people in their quest for fundamental human rights and dignity.
The summit’s message was clear: the international community must not remain silent in the face of ongoing atrocities in Iran. Only through sustained pressure, support for the democratic opposition, and a commitment to justice can there be hope for meaningful change in Iran and an end to the regime’s decades-long reign of terror.
