46 states condemn Iran’s use of death penalty ‘to instill fear, suppress dissent’

Forty-six countries have jointly condemned Iran’s escalating use of the death penalty, stating it serves to "instill fear, suppress dissent, and deter peaceful expression and assembly." Liechtenstein spearheaded the declaration during the UN Human Rights Council's general debate in Geneva, backed by a diverse group of nations. The United States is notably absent from the signatories list.

The joint statement, published by Iran Human Rights and other monitors, highlights UN experts' findings that the death penalty is being weaponized to suppress dissent and deter peaceful assembly. Concerns were raised regarding trials that lack international fair trial standards, including closed hearings, denial of due process, torture, enforced disappearances, and coerced confessions.

The coalition urgently demanded Iran halt its "abhorrent use of the death penalty" and emphasized that no one should face execution for exercising their rights or expressing their opinions. The joint statement was delivered on September 30, 2026, amid reports of at least 31 executions and dozens more at risk following harsh state crackdowns on protesters.

The 46 nations aligned with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Special Procedures experts' warnings that capital punishment is being misused to stifle dissent globally. The statement also denounced related human rights abuses, such as closed trials, denial of due process, torture, enforced disappearances, and coerced confessions used to secure capital convictions.

Iran's execution surge is viewed against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, with the EU imposing additional restrictive measures against 16 individuals and three entities over serious human rights violations in Iran. A 18-year-old Iranian protester named Saleh Mohammadi faces potential execution for killing a policeman, according to a rights group.