On 26 September 2014, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 27/21 and Corr.1 on human rights and unilateral coercive measures. The resolution stresses that unilateral coercive measures and legislation are contrary to international law, international humanitarian law, the Charter and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States, and highlights that on long-term, these measures may result in social problems and raise humanitarian concerns in the States targeted. Highlighting the deep-rooted problems and grievances within the international system and in order to ensure multilateralism, mutual respect and the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Human Rights Council decided to create the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.

In order to gather firsthand information related to the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights in specific countries, to effectively conduct an assessment and evaluation of such measures and to formulate relevant recommendations and guidelines on means to mitigate or eliminate their observed impact, the Special Rapporteur undertakes country visits, upon invitation of the concerned Governments.

Objectives

The purpose of this call is to inform the Special Rapporteur’s country visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran mission, which will take place from 7 to 18 May 2022.

The visit will examine, in the spirit of co-operation and dialogue, whether and to what extent the adoption, maintenance or implementation of unilateral sanctions impedes the full realization of the rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments, in particular the right of individuals and peoples to development (cfr. A/HRC/RES/27/21, OP.1).

During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with various representatives of the Government of Iran. She will also have private meetings with United Nations agencies present in Iran, as well as international organizations, regional organizations, international financial institutions, and representatives of the diplomatic community present in Tehran. She will also meet with non-governmental, business community, and civil society organizations, in particular those whose activities may be affected by unilateral coercive measures, as well as academics with specific expertise in this field.

The Special Rapporteur will present her conclusions and recommendations in a report that she will submit to the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council in September 2022. 

Key questions and types of input/comments sought:

While all submissions are welcome, and the below is by no means exhaustive, the Special Rapporteur would be grateful to receive input as a response to the following questions:

1. What specific human rights are affected by unilateral sanctions introduced against Iran? Please provide examples of violations of particular rights by unilateral sanctions.
2. What types of sanctions have the most negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights in Iran?
3. What categories of population are affected by unilateral sanctions in Iran the most? Please, provide examples.
4. Please provide detailed information on the current framework of sanction humanitarian exemptions licenses for goods and services and their specific impact on Iran’s economy and society? Do they provide for the possibility to guarantee the basic needs of the population?
5. Is activity of international and national humanitarian actors on delivery of humanitarian aid and implementation of humanitarian and development of humanitarian projects in Iran affected by application of unilateral sanctions?
6. Please provide information on the impact of sanctions on vulnerable social groups, including unemployed people and those lacking social protections, people with disabilities, older people in Iran? Please provide information on the particular impact of unilateral sanctions on women and children.
7. What measures have been taken by the Government of Iran to mitigate the adverse effects of unilateral sanctions? Please provide information on specific measures, including social support programmes, initiatives towards economic restructuring, changes in trade policies and others?
8. How is the private sector in Iran affected by the application of unilateral sanctions?
9. Could you please provide examples of zero-risk policies and over-compliance with unilateral sanctions by any actor (public or private), such as banks and other businesses, which may prevent even permitted interactions with Iran, its institutions and various economic sectors? What human rights are affected by such types of conduct?
10. How does the implementation of unilateral sanctions affect migration / rights of migrants from / to Iran?
11. Do unilateral sanctions applied to Iran affect human rights of people beyond the territory of Iran? Please, provide specific examples.
12. Individuals and organisations with whom the Special Rapporteur should meet during her country visit.

How inputs will be used

The submitted information will be reviewed and considered by the Special Rapporteur for the preparation of the country visit report. However, information about the submitting individuals and organisations will be kept confidential.