10 May 2026
The Islamic Republic Must Be Expelled from the International Labour Organization
Ms. Mai Sato
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran
United Nations Human Rights Council
Dear Ms. Sato,
As spokesperson for the FREE THEM NOW, the Campaign to Free jailed Workers (FTN), I am writing to urge your support for the immediate expulsion of the Islamic regime of Iran from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and for the international isolation of this regime.
The Islamic Republic is responsible for systematic repression, mass executions, the killing of protesters, the imprisonment of labor activists and political dissidents, and widespread crimes against humanity. During the nationwide protests of January 2026 alone, tens of thousands of protesters were reportedly killed in just 2 days, while thousands more were arrested and many remain at risk of execution. Even under conditions of war, censorship, and internet blackouts, the regime has continued its campaign of executions and repression.
A government whose foundations are built on violence, terror, and the suppression of workers and the people has no place in an institution formally established to defend workers’ rights and human dignity. The continued presence of the Islamic regime in the ILO is a stain on the credibility of that organization.
Experience has shown that statements of concern and formal warnings are not enough. Like the apartheid regime in South Africa, this regime must be isolated internationally. Expelling the representatives of the Islamic Republic from the ILO would be an important and necessary step in that direction.
We therefore call on you to support:
- The expulsion of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the ILO;
- The immediate release of all political prisoners and detained protesters;
- An end to executions and the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
We have also formally submitted these demands to the International Labour Organization and expect them to be presented before the ILO Conference.
Respectfully,
FTN Spokesperson:Shahla Daneshfar: Shahla.daneshfar2@gamail.com
FTN head of the International relations: kazem.nikkhah@gmail.com