Tehran:The High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran has criticized US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector, insisting that these measures impact human safety, health, and lives, beyond just economic or commercial concerns.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, the council released a statement on Monday condemning the US government's decision to intensify sanctions against Iran's aviation industry. The sanctions target Iran's access to services, equipment, spare parts, and technical capabilities needed for civil aviation, which the council views as a significant human rights issue.
On September 8, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against individuals, companies, and networks linked to Iran‚¬„¢s aviation sector. These sanctions extend to foreign individuals and networks involved in procuring aircraft and services for Iran. The High Council for Human Rights argues that such sanctions threaten aviation safety, as they restrict access to essential maintenance and support services.
The council also references international legal frameworks, such as the 1944 Chicago Convention, emphasizing the importance of safe and cooperative international civil aviation. They highlight the International Civil Aviation Organization's past findings on the adverse effects of US sanctions on Iran's aviation safety.
Furthermore, the International Court of Justice previously ordered the US to remove barriers to the exportation of goods, including aviation spare parts, necessary for safety. This order underscores the potential risks sanctions pose to civil aviation and human life.
The statement also touches on human rights concerns, citing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The sanctions potentially violate the right to life and health, as noted by UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan.
The High Council for Human Rights stresses that political disputes should not undermine aviation safety or human rights, calling for international consideration of the humanitarian impact of economic sanctions.