A high-level Iranian human rights delegation, accompanied by families of martyrs from the 12-Day War, convened on Monday, mid-September 2025, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Their goal: to bring global attention to the human rights consequences of the 12-day assault on Iran carried out by Israel and with U.S. support.
A Shock at Dawn: Attack on Iran during Nuclear Talks
Nasser Seraj, Secretary of the Human Rights Headquarters and Vice-President for International Affairs of Iran’s Judiciary, opened the session by recalling the pre-dawn attack on June 13, 2025, when Israel struck Iranian territory. He emphasized that Iran had been engaging in nuclear discussions with good faith, yet suffered blatant aggression. Seraj stated that the United States not only failed in its obligation to maintain peace and security but, by fully supporting Israel, targeted four of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Seraj also pointed to the horrifying events in Gaza and a recent attack on Qatar by Israel. He asserted that Iranian citizens’ rights—especially their right to life and security—have become victims of expansionist and unlawful policies by the occupying regime. He criticized international institutions for their silence, saying Iranians had expected an immediate response from the UN Security Council, but instead met passivity and inaction.
Voices of Loss: Families Speak
Families of those killed in the 12-Day War shared painful personal stories:
- Ramin Mansour Hezarjaribi, father of Parsa Hezarjaribi, an Iranian padel champion, held up a photo and described the brutal, inhumane death of his 26-year-old son. He called the strike a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Alireza Sedighi Saber, brother of Ayatollah Mohammadreza Sedighi Saber, who was killed along with all family members in an Israeli attack on Astaneh Ashrafieh. He recounted how their home was completely destroyed and 15 innocent civilians killed.
- The uncle of Amirali Amini, a 12-year-old taekwondo athlete, spoke with a picture of Amirali, stressing the child’s innocence and the breach of his right to life.
Legal Condemnations & Calls for Accountability
Ali Bahraini, Iran’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, described the attacks by Israel and the U.S. as outright violations of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. He asserted that, despite these crimes, the Iranian people remain united and resilient.
Mohammad Sargazi, Head of the Judiciary Commission and member of Parliament, stated that the assaults contradict all principles of international law and severely damage its credibility. He urged those present not to allow more people to be deprived of their right to life and dignity.
Alfred de Zayas, international law professor, declared that Israel’s attack on Iran lacks legal justification and violates Article 51 of the UN Charter. He also criticized the lack of accountability for the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
UN Special Rapporteur Reem Al-Salem, whose mandate covers violence against women and girls, pointed out that many of those killed have been women and children, and classified the attacks as violations of humanitarian rights.
Final Note: A Demand for Recognition
At the close of the meeting, all attendees condemned the aggressive actions of the Israeli regime and called for urgent adherence to international law and human rights norms.
From: mizan