Participation of the Baloch Human Rights Group Representative in Geneva and the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council
According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group, today, Friday, 20 March 2026, “Abdullah Aref,” representative of the Baloch Human Rights Group (BHRG), participated in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. During his presence, he took part in several programs, including official sessions, specialized meetings with the Special Rapporteur, Fact-Finding Mission and OHCHR’s Iran team, as well as, side events related to the human rights situation in Iran.
During these sessions, widespread human rights violations in Iran particularly the situation of minorities, including the Baloch were discussed. The BHRG representative presented reports from Balochistan and emphasized the systematic, multilayered, and ongoing repression of the Baloch people by the Islamic Republic. In discussions with experts and members of the OHCHR’s Iran team, he also stressed the need for greater attention to the situation in Balochistan and more accurate reflection of these issues in international reports.
Key activities included participation in interactive dialogues with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, meetings between NGOs and UN experts, and side events addressing issues such as the death penalty and transitional justice. The BHRG representative made efforts to specifically highlight human rights violations against the Baloch.
This participation aimed to strengthen international engagement and draw greater attention from human rights bodies to the situation in Balochistan.
This presence comes at a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran continues its repressive policies, particularly in marginalized regions such as Balochistan, in an effort to silence victims. However, the growing activity of independent organizations and their presence in international arenas reflect a widening gap in the regime’s official narrative and increasing human rights pressure against it.
