UN urges accountability over reported violence in Iran but says hard casualty figures not confirmed
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Summary
Asked about reports that Iran protest deaths may exceed 30,000, the UN spokesperson said the Secretariat has seen various reported figures but no 'hard numbers' and reiterated calls for investigations and respect for rights.
Journalists asked the UN spokesperson about new reports and videos alleging a large death toll in Iran’s recent protests. The spokesperson said that while the Secretariat has seen various numbers being reported, it does not have verified casualty figures.
"We don't have any hard numbers on exactly how many people were killed by the security forces while protesting," Steph said. "Whatever the final number will be, it is a horrendous number, and it is important that people responsible for that violence are held to account."
Reporters asked whether the Secretary‑General might address the matter directly; Steph said the Secretary‑General has been "very clear in his messaging" and that the UN continues to call for respect for the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in international law.
On related questions about Afghanistan, Steph said UN political and human‑rights colleagues have raised concern about edicts and laws issued by the Taliban that the UN views as violating human rights—particularly for women and girls—and urged the Taliban authorities to revoke discriminatory measures and comply with international obligations.
The briefing did not provide a verified casualty toll or announce an independent UN investigation; the spokesperson emphasized the importance of accountability and independent verification.