HRANA – Ahead of a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the situation in Iran in Geneva, Human Rights Activists in Iran has issued a statement warning that documented patterns of repression of nationwide protests, including the widespread use of lethal force, mass arrests, and forced confessions, have intensified serious concerns about grave human rights violations and the possible commission of unlawful killings. These findings, compiled on the basis of verified HRANA reports, underscore the necessity of continuing independent investigations and ensuring international accountability.
Read the full statement here:
As Member States prepare to convene in Geneva for the Human Rights Council Special Session on Iran on Friday, 23 January 2026, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) has prepared this memo to provide the most up-to-date and credible information available. The information that follows draws on verified findings compiled through HRANA reporting and corroborated open-source documentation. It is worth noting that HRA numbers represent absolute minimums. The investigation into the events is ongoing. The information published in this memo is current as of 21 Jan 18h ET. A full-length report detailing HRANA’s findings from 28 December onward will be available in the coming days.
The geographic scope
The protests reflect nationwide protest activity. HRA has documented:
• 633 protests
• 192 cities (without repetition)
• 31 provinces
Verified fatalities
There are 4,902 fatalities verified by HRA to date.
• 4,622 are identified as protesters.
• 40 are children under the age of 18.
• More than 9,000 additional cases remain under review under HRA’s verification procedures.
Use of lethal force against civilians
Verified documentation indicates that, following a crackdown by the Police(FARAJA) at the outset, IRGC Ground Forces and Basij units were deployed across the country to suppress protests. HRA has verified photo and video evidence indicating protesters were shot at close range in multiple locations. International standards governing law enforcement use of force require that lethal force be used only as a last resort, and only where strictly necessary to protect life. Child rights obligations require particular restraint and heightened protection for children. The reported patterns, including close-range shootings and firing into crowds, raise serious concerns of unlawful killings and excessive or indiscriminate use of force. HRA has documented the presence and use of:
• Military Assault Rifles, including AK-47 / AKM
• Handguns Using Live Ammunition
• Paintball Guns (Used as Repressive Tools as previously reported)
Tippmann 98 Custom
Tippmann FT-12
• Shotguns and Pellet Weapons
• Sniper Rifles
• Heavy Machine Guns Mounted on Vehicles
Note: This list is non-exhaustive.
Injuries and access to medical care
HRA has documented 7,389 serious injuries, including serious injuries to the eye; many injuries are consistent with the use of live ammunition.
Additional confirmed documentation includes cases in which individuals were transferred from hospital settings to detention facilities without receiving adequate medical care, raising concerns regarding denial of treatment and potential ill-treatment.
Detention and coerced confessions
HRA has documented 26,541 arrests, including 173 children under the age of 18. HRA has additionally documented more than 181 forced confessions broadcast on state television or media close to security agencies, raising concerns regarding coercion, due process violations, and the risk of torture or other ill-treatment.
Implications for the Special Session
The documented patterns indicate a sustained response involving the use of lethal force, mass arrests, and coercive practices. Member States should underscore the urgency of extending the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFMI) to ensure independent and impartial investigations, continued evidence collection and preservation, and sustained reporting to the Council. Member States should also reinforce accountability pathways consistent with international law, including through enhanced cooperation on documentation and information-sharing, and support for relevant investigative and accountability mechanisms at the international and national levels.
