At least 841 people have been executed by the Iranian Government since the start of the year, with ethnic minorities and migrants disproportionately affected, according to OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. Some executions have occurred publicly, with seven reported this year based on available data. The real situation might differ due to the lack of transparency in the use of the death penalty.
Eleven people are facing imminent execution; six accused of “armed rebellion” for alleged membership in the Mojahedin-e-Khalq group. Five others are on death row for participating in the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody after being detained for improperly wearing her hijab. Ms. Shamdasani reiterated UN rights chief Volker Türk’s call for Iran to impose a moratorium on capital punishment as a step toward abolition.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned against nuclear testing on the International Day against Nuclear Tests, urging leaders to stop nuclear detonations. Marking the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test in 1945, he emphasized the need to silence bombs before they are used again.
Since the first test, over 2,000 nuclear tests have occurred, spreading radioactive fallout, contaminating land and seas, and causing health crises across generations. The UN General Assembly declared this international day in 2009 after Kazakhstan closed the Semipalatinsk test site. The day has become a rallying point for governments, civil society, and campaigners to end nuclear testing and pursue disarmament.
Mr. Guterres highlighted nuclear testing as a grave danger amid geopolitical tensions, urging States to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996 but not yet in force. “We must never forget the horrific legacy of over 2,000 nuclear tests,” he said. “The world cannot accept this.”
The UN chief expressed regret over Burkina Faso’s decision to declare UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak persona non grata. In a statement, António Guterres mentioned that the transitional authorities announced her unwelcome status on 18 August. He expressed “full confidence” in her professionalism and dedication and the broader UN system in Burkina Faso.
During her tenure, Ms. Flore-Smereczniak, now having left the country, led UN efforts with Burkinabe authorities to support development initiatives and provide humanitarian aid. The statement emphasizes that the UN Charter states persona non grata does not apply to UN officials, as staff appointed by the Secretary-General are responsible solely to the Organization, with Member States respecting their international character.
The United Nations enjoys privileges and immunities, including staff rights to remain and carry out their work. “Only the Secretary-General, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization, has the authority to decide – after careful investigation – on the withdrawal of any United Nations official.” Mr. Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support Burkina Faso’s people and continue working with national authorities.
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