Human rights concerns in Afghanistan and Iran

Human rights concerns have intensified in Afghanistan and Iran. In Afghanistan, the United Nations and the European Union have reported on the deteriorating social structure under Taliban rule. The EU specifically noted the deprivation of education for girls and suggested that the treatment of women could constitute “gender-based persecution, as a crime against humanity.”

In Iran, reports indicate the deployment of Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun paramilitary forces to the Sistan and Baluchestan province, reportedly mobilized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Furthering concerns regarding judicial unfairness, United Nations special rapporteur Mai Satō has warned of systemic marginalization affecting ethnic and religious minorities. Satō noted that ethnic groups, including Kurds, Baluchis, Ahwazi Arabs, Azeri Turks, and Turkmens, face obstacles such as a lack of access to interpreters and the use of torture to extract confessions. The rapporteur highlighted the use of security-based charges without credible evidence and expressed serious concern over potential executions following flawed legal proceedings, specifically citing cases such as Farhad Baran Zehi and Hatem Ozdemir.

Religious minorities also face significant restrictions. Baha'is reportedly face exclusion from higher education and government employment, while certain Christian denominations are treated as security threats. Additionally, followers of the Yarsan faith face limitations in accessing government positions.