01/21/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Nations Association of the USA – San Fernando Valley Chapter (UNA-USA SFV)
UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Condemns Escalating Human Rights Crisis in Iran
Media Contact:
Name: _Dr. Soraya Fallah
Title: _UNA-USA SFV Co-president & Advocacy Chair
Organization: United Nations Association of the United States – San Fernando Valley Chapter
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310-8456707
The United Nations Association of the United States, San Fernando Valley Chapter (UNA-USA SFV), expresses its deepest concern and unequivocal condemnation of the rapidly escalating human rights crisis in Iran. Reports from credible international and regional human rights organizations confirm a pattern of violent crackdowns on civilians, mass killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and the continued use and threat of executions against peaceful protesters.
UNA-USA SFV echoes the grave alarm raised by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who has emphasized that the killing of peaceful demonstrators must cease and that labeling protesters as "terrorists" to justify violence against them is unacceptable.
Documentation from Amnesty International, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, and other independent human rights defenders reveals systematic abuses, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and deliberate maiming, such as shooting protesters in the eyes.
Reports further indicate the killing of young people engaged in peaceful cultural expression, including Kurdish dances for freedom, as well as the killing of children, including a three-year-old reportedly shot while in a parent’s arms. These acts constitute grave violations of international human rights law and may amount to crimes against humanity.
These actions violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to life, freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly. Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child strictly prohibit such violations.
The UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter affirms that all people have the right to peacefully express their grievances, identities, cultures, and demands for justice. Peaceful protest and cultural expression are protected rights under international law—not crimes.
UNA-USA SFV urgently calls on Iranian authorities to immediately end all violence against civilians, halt executions and death sentences against protesters, restore full internet and telecommunications access, permit independent international investigations, protect human rights defenders, and ensure accountabilities for all perpetrators under international law.
The cycle of violence must end. Justice, dignity, accountability, and respect for human rights are essential foundations for peace and stability.
United Nations Association of the United States
San Fernando Valley Chapter
