A/HRC/59/NGO/259
Human Rights Council
Fifty-ninth session
16 June–11 July 2025
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development
Written statement* submitted by Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status
The Secretary-General has received the following written statement which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.
[26 May 2025]
Introduction
The Baloch people, an ancient and indigenous group, primarily reside in Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, but their communities also stretch into parts of southern Khorasan, southern Kerman, and eastern Hormozgan. Balochs are also present in Pakistan and Afghanistan, forming one of the largest transnational ethnic groups in the region. In Iran, Balochs are predominantly Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi school, distinguishing them religiously from the country’s Shia majority. Despite the absence of official statistics, it is estimated that between 3.5 and 4 million Balochs live in Iran, representing about 5% of the national population and approximately a quarter of all Balochs worldwide.
Historically, Balochistan only nominally came under Tehran’s control in 1928. Over the past century, administrative divisions have further fragmented the region, limiting its political cohesion. During the Pahlavi era and continuing under the Islamic Republic, the Baloch have faced systemic discrimination, forced assimilation policies, and persistent underdevelopment, which have only intensified in recent years.
The Baloch Community in Iran
Most Iranian Balochs live in Sistan and Baluchestan, one of the country’s most deprived provinces. Substantial Baloch communities are found in southern Khorasan, Kerman, and eastern Hormozgan. Balochi, a Northwestern Iranian language, is not recognized by the state, and Baloch identity is marked by Sunni Islam, contributing to religious and political marginalization. Balochs are frequently denied official identity documents, limiting access to education, healthcare, and employment. Many children cannot enroll in school or are forced to leave early to support their families.
Discrimination and Human Rights
Balochs face discrimination in every aspect of life. Since January 2025, reports indicate rising arbitrary detentions, torture, and summary executions. Both ordinary citizens and community leaders experience widespread surveillance and harassment. Patterns of intimidation, raids, and house demolitions remain widespread.
Access to Employment, Housing, and Public Life
Exclusion from public sector jobs is systemic, affecting opportunities in government, education, and the judiciary. Balochs rarely attain leadership positions, facing overt and covert discrimination. Most rely on informal labor, including the dangerous work of fuel transportation (“sookhtbar”), with at least 75 sookhtbars killed or injured by security forces in early 2025 alone. Housing insecurity is severe: forced evictions and demolitions, especially along the Makran coast, are increasing. From mid-2023 to May 2025, the port town of Kalahi was raided at least seven times, resulting in mass arrests and the destruction of private property. Affordable housing and access to loans remain out of reach for most Balochs.
Education and Language Rights
Balochi is not taught in public schools; Persian is the sole language of instruction, undermining academic performance and cultural identity. Local educators attempting to teach Balochi face threats, harassment, or arrest. In February 2025, multiple educational associations were closed, and teachers detained. In rural areas, schools and teachers are scarce, especially for girls. Many children are forced to work or drop out due to poverty and family need, perpetuating illiteracy and social exclusion.
Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association
Freedom of expression is highly restricted. Community leaders, journalists, and activists are under surveillance and routinely censored. Several journalists were detained in Zahedan and Iranshahr in early 2025 for reporting on local issues. Peaceful assemblies—whether cultural or political—are regularly dispersed by force. During a major crackdown in Kargan village on 11 May 2025, dozens of men were arrested, homes destroyed, and women targeted by violence. At least 47 Baloch activists were detained after spring protests, and intimidation of dissenting voices has intensified.
Access to Justice and Judicial Treatment
The justice system remains deeply biased. Balochs are often tried in Revolutionary Courts without access to legal defense or due process. Charges such as “moharebeh” (enmity against God) or “acting against national security” are used to suppress peaceful dissent and activism. From January to April 2025, at least 35 Balochs were executed, nearly a third of all executions in Iran. Torture, forced confessions, and denial of medical care in detention are frequently reported. At least 10 Baloch prisoners died in custody since the start of 2025, most from abuse or medical neglect.
Religious and Cultural Discrimination
Sunni Balochs are excluded from official positions and are rarely permitted to construct Sunni mosques. The destruction of mosques, Quranic schools, and religious institutions is common. Minority groups like Yarsanis and Baha’is face arrest, surveillance, and denial of religious rights. Between January and May 2025, at least three Quranic schools were demolished, and religious gatherings disrupted by force.
Women, Children, and Intersecting Vulnerabilities
Discrimination against Baloch women and children is particularly acute. Women face movement restrictions, limited educational and employment opportunities, and are often victims of violence and intimidation during security operations. In early 2025, five women were arrested in protest raids, and two reported sexual harassment by security forces. Children are doubly affected by poverty and educational exclusion, with high rates of accidental death. In 2024, at least 62 children drowned in unsafe water sources, with further cases in 2025.
Economic Conditions
Despite its mineral and maritime resources, Sistan and Baluchestan is Iran’s poorest province. State investment is minimal, and development projects proceed without local input or compensation. Displacement due to government development along the Makran coast is increasing, forcing families from their land. In 2024 and early 2025, at least 375 fuel porters were killed or injured, and nearly 100 people drowned in unsafe water. Chronic unemployment, inflation, and exclusion from the financial sector deepen poverty.
Environment
Environmental mismanagement is severe. Deforestation, diversion of rivers, and poor water management have created water shortages, especially in rural communities. In 2025, drought intensified, causing power and water cuts. The destruction of farmland and contamination of water sources have driven many families into deeper poverty or forced them to migrate.
Education
Educational infrastructure is grossly lacking. Many villages have no schools, and existing facilities are overcrowded or under-resourced. The ban on mother-tongue instruction contributes to high dropout and illiteracy rates. In early 2025, the closure of several private and community educational centers deprived hundreds of children of access to education.
Culture and Religion
Baloch cultural expression is heavily restricted. Naming Baloch children, public celebrations of heritage, and cultural associations are tightly controlled or banned. Sunni leaders have been arrested, and community religious gatherings have been disrupted. At least two Baloch religious leaders were detained in 2025 for organizing prayers without permission. Yarsani and Baha’i minorities face ongoing discrimination and the destruction of places of worship.
Political Rights
Political participation for Balochs is extremely limited. Independent civil society organizations and political parties are prohibited. Activists are routinely arrested and sentenced for peaceful advocacy or protest. During protests in Zahedan and Saravan in spring 2025, at least 60 people were arrested; many remain in detention without charge.
Executions and Repression
From January to May 2025, authorities intensified the use of the death penalty, executing at least 35 Balochs, often after unfair trials for drug-related offenses. Although Balochs comprise only 5% of Iran’s population, they account for nearly one-third of all executions nationwide. Reports persist of summary executions following mass arrests during protests or raids. At least three political prisoners face imminent execution for alleged opposition activity.
Extrajudicial Killings
Security forces continue to use lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially fuel porters and protestors. In 2024 and 2025, at least 375 extrajudicial killings or injuries occurred through shootings, fatal road incidents, or violent raids. Armed attacks by unidentified assailants—sometimes suspected to involve state collusion—caused at least 488 casualties (305 killed, 183 injured).
Recommendations to the Islamic Republic of Iran :
1. End all forms of arbitrary and summary executions, and guarantee the right to a fair trial and legal defense for all.
2. Ensure equal access to public sector employment, housing, education, and social services for Balochs.
3. Recognize and support the use of the Balochi language in education and public life.
4. Allow construction and operation of Sunni mosques and religious institutions; protect all religious minorities.
5. Invest in local infrastructure, water supply, and health care; involve local communities in development decisions.
6. Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions.
Recommendations to the International Community :
1. Closely monitor human rights in Balochistan; include Baloch voices in UN and diplomatic forums.
2. Apply targeted diplomatic pressure and, where appropriate, targeted sanctions against Iranian officials responsible for grave abuses.
3. Support independent civil society and human rights reporting in Balochistan.
4. Provide humanitarian aid for education, health, and safe water in Baloch-populated regions.
5. Facilitate safe reporting and advocacy by Baloch human rights defenders at the international level.
– The Balochistan Human Rights Campaign – Solidarité Internationale pour la Paix -ASIP – Alliance for Minority Rights -AMR, NGO(s) without consultative status, also share the views expressed in this statement.
(1) Haalvsh – Haalvsh News Agency
(2) KMMK – Kurdistan Human Rights Association
(3) HRANA – Human Rights Activists News Agency
(4) KMMK – Kurdistan Human Rights Association
(5) Rasank News – Rasank News Agency
https://rasanknews.com/2025/05/13/تخریب-دیوار-حیاط-منزل-یک-شهروند-بلوچ-توس/
(6) Balochistan Human Rights Group
https://www.facebook.com/BalochistanHumanRightsGroup/videos/2040690283086613/
(7) Rasank News – Rasank News Agency
https://rasanknews.com/2025/02/23/تداوم-سیاست-تخریب-منازل-بلوچها-و-تصرف/
(8) Balochistan Human Rights Group
https://www.facebook.com/BalochistanHumanRightsGroup/videos/967670194940355/