The Middle East Forum for Development (MEFD) has submitted an urgent communication to United Nations human rights experts regarding the safety and treatment of prisoners in Iran amid the ongoing armed conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The organisation expressed serious concern that individuals detained in prisons across the country, including political prisoners, journalists, human rights defenders, and individuals detained in connection with recent protests, may face heightened risks as hostilities continue.
Growing risks for detainees
According to information reported by international media, civil society organisations, and families of detainees, prisoners may be exposed to multiple dangers during the current crisis. These include the possibility of detention facilities being located near potential military targets, deteriorating detention conditions, and severe restrictions on communication with families and legal representatives.
Families of prisoners have also reported significant difficulties obtaining reliable information about the safety and status of their relatives. Widespread communications disruptions and internet restrictions further limit detainees’ ability to contact lawyers or family members and make independent monitoring of prison conditions increasingly difficult.
Humanitarian concerns have also been raised regarding potential shortages of food, medical care, and prison staff during the ongoing conflict.
International legal obligations remain in force
MEFD emphasised that even during armed conflict, states remain bound by their obligations under international human rights law. Iran is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to life, prohibits torture and other forms of ill-treatment, and requires that all persons deprived of liberty be treated with humanity and respect for their dignity.
International standards on detention are also set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules), which establish minimum safeguards for detention conditions, access to medical care, and communication with the outside world.
Key requests to UN human rights mechanisms
In its communication, MEFD called on UN human rights mechanisms to urge immediate measures to protect detainees. The organisation requested that UN experts:
- Seek clarification from Iranian authorities regarding measures taken to ensure the safety of detainees during the conflict.
- Urge the government to guarantee humane conditions of detention consistent with international standards.
- Call for immediate protective measures in detention facilities, including emergency preparedness, medical care, and protection from potential military activity.
- Urge the release or temporary furlough of prisoners whose continued detention lacks a security justification, particularly in light of the risks posed by the current crisis.
- Urge authorities to halt executions and establish a moratorium on the death penalty.
- Encourage authorities to ensure detainees are able to maintain contact with their families and legal representatives despite communications disruptions.
- Promote transparency regarding the location, health, and legal status of detainees.
- Encourage independent monitoring of prison conditions by relevant international bodies.
Continued monitoring
MEFD stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to provide further information and documentation to UN human rights mechanisms as needed.
Protecting the rights and safety of individuals deprived of liberty remains an urgent priority, particularly during periods of armed conflict when detainees are among the most vulnerable members of society.