Special Session Request and Procedures

Request Communication: Request for special session communicated to member states, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions, and NGOs with consultative status.
Online Speaker Registration: Opened on 18th November at 4 pm, closed on the 24th November at 6 pm.
- Speaking Time: 2 minutes and 30 seconds for council members, 1 minute and 30 seconds for observer states/observers.
Extraordinary Modalities: Proposed by the Bureau on 15th November, similar to the 51st regular session, to be applied exclusively to the 35th special session without precedent.

Key Remarks by Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights

Admiration for Iran: Highlights of previous visits and Iran's cultural heritage.
Human Rights Crisis: Protests in over 150 cities and 140 universities in all 31 provinces after Mahsa Amini's death in custody on 16th September.
- Minority Impact: Minority regions disproportionally affected.
- Protest Demands: Calls for justice, equality, dignity, and human rights.
Violence and Crackdown: Security forces using lethal force; reports of around 14,000 arrests including children.
Executions and Death Toll: Over 300 deaths including 40 children; increased executions since 2021 with over 400 in 2022.
Government Response: Urged to listen, end violence, and implement meaningful reforms.

Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran: Emphasized women’s leadership in protests, criticism of violent crackdowns, and called for independent investigations.
Iranian Government Representative: Condemned misuse of Human Rights Council for political motives; highlighted domestic investigations and criticized Western countries.

Germany: Called for accountability, highlighted specific cases of victims.
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Lithuania: Emphasized respect for civil and political rights, condemned the use of force.
EU, Nordic-Baltic Countries: Urged Iran to adhere to international human rights standards, supported establishing fact-finding missions.
France, Japan: Focused on women’s rights and criticized repression.
Brazil: Expressed concern but recommended using existing special procedures instead of new mechanisms.
United Kingdom: Strongly condemned violence, supported mechanisms for accountability.
Pakistan, Venezuela, Cuba, China: Criticized political motivations and selective targeting, called for constructive dialogue instead.
United States: Supported protests, demanded accountability, condemned state-led violence.

Human Rights Violations: Emphasis on equal rights for women, children, and all citizens.
Use of Force: Repeated condemnation of the excessive and lethal force against protesters.
Call for Accountability: Almost unanimous call for transparent investigations and ending impunity.
Political Dynamics: Tensions between Western countries advocating for human rights and some countries accusing these actions of being politically motivated.
Support for Independent Mechanisms: Many states supported the establishment of independent mechanisms to investigate human rights abuses.