UNHRC urges Iranian authorities to end human rights violations, restore communications

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
January 15, 2026

(Photo courtesy: United Nations/Facebook)

GENEVA, Switzerland — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) Volker Türk called on Iranian authorities Tuesday, January 13, for the immediate end of “all forms of violence and repression against peaceful protesters” and to restore communication connectivity in the country.

Türk similarly demanded accountability from the Iranian government for its serious human rights violations inflicted on its own people.

“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labelling of protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Türk said.

“As we saw most recently in 2022, broad sections of the Iranian population have taken to the streets, demanding fundamental changes in the governance of their country,” he added. “And once again, the authorities’ reaction is to inflict brutal force to repress legitimate demands for change.”

The UNCHR also acknowledged that the Iranian authorities have imposed a country-wide internet restriction since January 8, an act it deems to continuously deter the people’s rights to express and access information, among others.

“Iranians have the right to demonstrate peacefully. Their grievances need to be heard and addressed, and not instrumentalised by anyone,” Türk stressed.