Impact of Unilateral Illegal Sanctions on the Right to a Healthy and Sustainable Environment

Introduction

The right to a healthy and sustainable environment has increasingly been recognized as a fundamental human right by international human rights mechanisms and a prerequisite for the realization of a wide range of other human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, and an adequate standard of living. The Human Rights Council has reaffirmed that environmental degradation and climate change constitute major threats to the enjoyment of human rights and that unilateral measures that undermine environmental protection can result in violations of States’ human rights obligations (Human Rights Council resolutions on human rights and the environment).

Despite this, unilateral coercive measures (UCMs)—often justified as political or security measures—can impede States’ capacity to protect and sustainably manage their environment. These sanctions frequently restrict access to essential technologies, financial resources, environmental cooperation, and international best practices necessary to mitigate pollution, conserve biodiversity, and adapt to climate change. The resulting ecological impacts can undermine the enjoyment of the right to a healthy environment, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Negative Impacts of Unilateral Sanctions on the Right to a Healthy and Sustainable Environment

1. Restricted Access to Environmental Technology and Sustainable Practices

Unilateral sanctions commonly include financial restrictions and trade barriers that limit access to modern environmental technologies, equipment, and know-how essential for pollution control, environmental monitoring, renewable energy deployment, and sustainable resource management. Environmental law principles—such as the duty to prevent transboundary harm and the obligation to adopt sustainable development measures—are impeded when States cannot acquire advanced technologies or technical cooperation due to sanctions.

For example, sanctions on financial interactions with Iran have limited the country’s ability to access advanced technologies for air quality monitoring, fuel efficiency, and environmental data collection, contributing to persistent air pollution challenges in urban centers. This restriction on technology transfer undermines environmental governance and the capacity to implement internationally recognized environmental standards.

2. Increased Pollution and Environmental Degradation

Environmental law recognizes the interdependence between environmental quality and human health. Sanctions that restrict access to cleaner technologies or the replacement of obsolete infrastructure can result in heightened pollution levels, with adverse effects on ecosystems and human wellbeing. In the context of Iran, analysts have noted that sanctions have contributed to prolonged reliance on older vehicles with inefficient fuel use, increased emissions, and worsened air quality, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and environmental health risks for the population.

The inability to modernize energy and transportation sectors due to financial and trade constraints can impede transitions to cleaner fuels and sustainable mobility, directly affecting the right to a healthy environment and associated rights to health and life.

3. Blocked International Environmental Cooperation and Aid

Unilateral sanctions also limit participation in international environmental cooperation and access to environmental assistance programs. International environmental agreements and mechanisms often involve technology transfer, capacity-building, and financial support that help States address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. When a country is cut off from international funding channels or discouraged from engaging with international partners due to fear of sanctions penalties, essential environmental programs can be delayed or abandoned.

For instance, restrictions on accessing international financial resources and partnerships have been cited by officials as obstacles for Iran in meeting its climate commitments and participating fully in multilateral environmental processes.

4. Exacerbation of Environmental Crises Through Economic Pressure

Economic sanctions can lead to currency devaluation, limited public revenue, and redirected national priorities, which may reduce investment in environmental protection and sustainable infrastructure. This economic strain can compel States to rely more heavily on natural resource exploitation or environmentally harmful practices to maintain basic economic functions, thereby degrading ecosystems and biodiversity.

5. Impediments to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

The Paris Agreement and other international climate frameworks emphasize the need for technology transfer, climate finance, and cooperative action to address global climate challenges. Unilateral sanctions that sever access to international climate finance mechanisms, renewable energy technologies, and joint research opportunities impede States’ capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Iranian diplomats and representatives have highlighted that unilateral sanctions hinder renewable energy investment, limit access to environmentally sound technologies, and constrain joint environmental research, thereby negatively affecting efforts to combat climate change and its environmental consequences.

Conclusion

Unilateral illegal sanctions, as implemented in many contexts, present significant barriers to the realization of the human right to a healthy and sustainable environment. By restricting access to technology, cooperation, finance, and sustainable practices, such sanctions can perpetuate pollution, degrade ecosystems, and undermine States’ capacity to meet environmental obligations. Human rights and environmental governance are intrinsically linked; therefore, policies that impair environmental protection must be critically reassessed to align with international law and the shared goal of sustainable development for all.

We believe all UCMs are illegal and contrary to International Law. Also states must reassert their commitments under international human rights law and environmental agreements, ensuring that political measures do not compromise the integrity of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Special Report on the Activities of the Waterfall of Emotions International Charity Foundation in the Holy Mosque of Jamkaran

On the bright days of the middle of Shaban, coinciding with the auspicious birth anniversary of the Savior of the World, Hazrat Imam Ali (AS), the Waterfall of Emotions International Charity Foundation once again created a lasting scene of service, love, and faith with a magnificent and popular presence in the Holy Mosque of Jamkaran. The foundation served eager pilgrims for three to five days by organizing several active processions and displayed a manifestation of spiritual passion and sincere service with diverse cultural, social, and welfare programs.

گزارش ویژه از فعالیت‌های بنیاد بین‌المللی خیریه آبشار عاطفه‌ها در مسجد مقدس جمکران

در روزهای نورانی نیمه شعبان، همزمان با میلاد فرخنده منجی عالم بشریت، حضرت ولی‌عصر (عج)، بنیاد بین‌المللی خیریه آبشار عاطفه‌ها بار دیگر با حضوری پرشکوه و مردمی در مسجد مقدس جمکران، صحنه‌ای ماندگار از خدمت، عشق و ایمان را رقم زد. این بنیاد با برپایی چندین موکب فعال، به مدت سه تا پنج روز به زائران مشتاق خدمت‌رسانی کرد و با برنامه‌هایی متنوع فرهنگی، اجتماعی و رفاهی، جلوه‌ای از شور معنوی و خدمت خالصانه را به نمایش گذاشت.

Statement of Abshar Atefeha Charity Institute Regarding the Recent Unrest in I.R.Iran

January 2026

Introduction
This statement is submitted by a long-established, non-governmental and non-political charitable organization that has carried out continuous activities throughout the Islamic Republic of Iran for several decades. The organization operates approximately nine hundred offices and local branches nationwide and manages an extensive humanitarian network for the collection and distribution of charitable assistance to vulnerable individuals and families.
The organization’s activities are exclusively humanitarian in nature and include the provision of food assistance, basic household necessities, donated dowries, and emergency relief in times of crisis.

Nevertheless, during the recent period of widespread and violent unrest in various regions of Iran, several offices and branches of the organization were subjected to violent attacks. A number of these facilities were deliberately set on fire and completely destroyed. In other locations, office signs, doors, and windows were forcibly broken, and humanitarian and support items collected for needy families were looted and stolen. These acts directly deprived innocent civilians of access to essential assistance and caused significant material and operational damage to the organization’s capacity to deliver humanitarian services.

Concerns Regarding One-Sided Characterizations of the Events
This charity expresses serious concern regarding the predominantly one-dimensional portrayal of the events in Iran as consisting solely of peaceful gatherings. While the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fully recognized under international human rights law, as well as under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the organization’s direct field experience indicates that the realities on the ground differed markedly from such characterizations.
In numerous instances, organized groups engaged in arson, looting, and violent attacks against public infrastructure, emergency services, and humanitarian institutions. Such actions cannot be characterized as peaceful protest. Within only a few days, they resulted in harm to civilians, destruction of public and charitable property, and the loss of the lives of many innocent individuals, including women, children, and bystanders.

We emphasize, based on verifiable evidence, that certain public statements and expressions of support for unrest in Iran by a number of foreign political leaders and government officials undoubtedly contributed to the escalation of violence and emboldened those engaged in destructive and criminal conduct. This occurred alongside explicit calls by separatist and terrorist groups operating outside Iran, creating an environment in which the long-standing objective of officials in the United States and Israel to inflict severe damage on the Islamic Republic of Iran was portrayed as attainable.

As a civil society organization, we firmly believe that all individuals must be afforded the opportunity to protest, express their views, and hold diverse political opinions. However, irrespective of political context or perspective, it is universally recognized that attacks on civilian and humanitarian facilities, as well as the killing and injuring of innocent civilians, constitute serious violations of international norms. We believe that the presence of trained and armed individuals who abruptly appeared within otherwise peaceful gatherings—using crowds as human shields while launching attacks with firearms and bladed weapons against law-enforcement and security personnel, and engaging in the killing of innocent people and staged violence to fuel further unrest—is a matter that warrants careful scrutiny and thorough investigation by the supervisory mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.

The Abshar Atefeha Charity Institute unequivocally and unconditionally condemns all acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian institutions, and charitable assets. The deliberate targeting of humanitarian infrastructure undermines the protection of vulnerable populations and erodes humanitarian space.

Our Institute calls upon the Special Rapporteur, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to ensure that their assessments of these events are comprehensive, impartial, and balanced. The voices and accounts of civil society organizations operating inside Iran must be heard. We maintain that an exclusive reliance by human rights mechanisms on information and reports provided by actors based outside the country—many of whom are affiliated with opposition movements and thus inherently biased—deprives such reports of the necessary credibility, balance, and holistic perspective.

The charity further urges these mechanisms to acknowledge and document the destruction, looting, and loss of life resulting from violent actions against civilian and humanitarian institutions, and to underscore the imperative of accountability for all serious violations, in accordance with the principles of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Abshar Atefeha charity, a place to help people in need across the country, was set on fire by rioters in the provinces of Yazd, Bushehr, Khorasan Razavi, Hamedan, Markazi, Lorestan, Fars, and Zanjan.

In this cruel act, the information of the people under its protection, several dowries, food, clothing, and humanitarian aid were destroyed in the fire, causing irreparable damage to the foundation.

خیریه آبشار عاطفه‌ها که مکانی برای کمک به مردم نیازمند سراسر کشور است؛ در استان‌های یزد، بوشهر، خراسان رضوی، همدان، مرکزی، لرستان، فارس و زنجان، توسط اغتشاشگران به آتش کشیده شد

در این اقدام بی رحمانه اطلاعات افراد تحت پوشش، چند سری جهیزیه، مواد غذایی، پوشاک و کمک های مردمی در آتش از بین رفتند و خسارت جبران ناپذیری را به این بنیاد وارد کردند

Economic growth is often measured through numbers—GDP, productivity, exports, and investment. Yet behind every statistic lies a human story: a family gaining stability, a young person finding purpose, or a community reclaiming dignity through work. At the heart of these stories are entrepreneurship and job creation, two forces that, when aligned with social responsibility, can transform economies in a sustainable and inclusive way.

For charities and social organizations, the goal is no longer limited to short-term relief. The global conversation has shifted toward long-term empowerment, where individuals are supported not only to survive, but to build livelihoods, create value, and participate actively in economic life. Entrepreneurship and employment lie at the center of this transformation.

This article explores how entrepreneurship fuels job creation, why this relationship is essential for sustainable economic growth, and how charitable organizations can play a decisive role in turning support into opportunity.

Earthquake Drill Held with the Participation of the Atifeh-ha Charity International Foundation and Executive Agencies

An earthquake preparedness and response drill was held with the participation of the Atifeh-ha Charity International Foundation and the collaboration of various executive and relief agencies, simultaneously at several locations across the city.

The drill aimed to increase readiness, enhance coordination among responsible institutions, practice crisis management, and accelerate assistance to potential victims. Various scenarios related to earthquake occurrences were evaluated on-site.

During the exercise, rescue forces and volunteers practiced emergency relief and rescue operations, temporary sheltering, and support for affected individuals, while assessing the readiness of equipment and operational capabilities of the participating organizations.

Officials organizing the drill described such exercises as an effective step toward reducing human losses and increasing social resilience during crises and emphasized the continuation of cooperation between public institutions and executive agencies.

Entrepreneurship has long been more than a path to personal success. At its best, it is a force that reshapes communities, reduces inequality, and creates resilient economies. In a world facing rapid technological change, climate pressure, and shifting labor markets, empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and sustainable job creation is no longer optional—it is essential.

This article explores how entrepreneurship empowers individuals, why sustainability must be at the core of job creation, and what governments, organizations, and communities can do to build long-term economic opportunity rather than short-lived growth.

Fatemi Yalda; The Joy and Warmth of Yalda Night for the Needy

The International Charity Foundation of the Waterfall of Emotions held a nationwide “Fatemi Yalda” exercise in all provinces of the country. In this program, livelihood packages including Yalda Night fruits, sweets, dried fruits, and an electric heater were distributed among needy families to provide them with the joy and warmth of this special night in addition to meeting their livelihood needs.

Mr. Foolad, CEO of the Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the donors and volunteers and stated that the aim of this exercise was to strengthen empathy and kindness in society and bring smiles to the faces of those in need.

Coinciding with the blessed birth of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH), more than 300 sets of dowries were donated to young couples by the efforts of the Waterfall of Emotions International Foundation. This ceremony was held in the form of a magnificent celebration and was attended by a group of high-ranking national officials and directors of various institutions.

In this ceremony, the Waterfall of Emotions International Foundation distributed this number of dowries among eligible couples with the aim of supporting young marriages, reducing the economic concerns of starting a life together, and promoting a culture of empathy and social responsibility.

Mr. Foolad, CEO of the Waterfall of Emotions International Foundation, pointed out the importance of supporting the foundation of the family and stated on the sidelines of this ceremony: Implementing such programs is an effective step towards facilitating young marriages and strengthening the country's social capital, and this foundation will continue this path with seriousness by relying on public participation and the support of donors.

Officials present at the ceremony, while appreciating the charitable efforts of the Waterfall of Emotions International Foundation, emphasized the effective role of support institutions in strengthening the family foundation and promoting social justice.

Dr. Masoumeh Zibandeh, a member of the Board of Directors of the Waterfall of Emotions Foundation, won second place in the national Quran memorization competition

Dr. Masoumeh Zibandeh, a member of the Board of Directors of the Waterfall of Emotions Foundation, won second place in the national Quran memorization competition. The competition was held with the participation of the winners of the provinces, and Dr. Zibandeh was able to win this national title with an outstanding performance.
The Waterfall of Emotions Foundation congratulated her on this valuable success and appreciated her efforts and Quranic activities.

The Supreme Leader’s blessed keffiyeh was presented to Thiago Avila, leader of the Samood Caravan, at the Brazilian Environmental Conference

Thiago Avila (leader of the Samood Caravan) attended and delivered a speech among the Iranian activists present at the Brazilian Environmental Conference who were supporting Palestine.

During this event, the Supreme Leader’s blessed keffiyeh was presented to him by Mr. Ali Akbar Taheri as a special gift from the “Coalition for Resistance” organization, which was very well received.

 Two imprisoned activists in Britain go on hunger strike to protest London's support for Israel's genocide

Visit of the Governor of Mashhad and the Director General of the Office of Social Affairs of the Province, along with the Cultural Deputy of the Khorasan Razavi Governorate, to the International Foundation of Abrar Atefeha

بازدید فرماندار مشهد و مدیرکل دفتر امور اجتماعی،استانداری و معاون فرهنگی اجتماعی و زیارت استانداری خراسان رضوی از بنیاد بین المللی آبشارعاطفه ها

The Foundation’s Contribution in Donating 313 Dowries to Couples Supported by the Welfare Organization of Khorasan Razavi

Our foundation proudly participated in the donation of 313 dowries to young couples under the support of the Welfare Organization in Khorasan Razavi province. This initiative aims to support families in need and help couples start their new lives with dignity and hope.

By providing these dowries, we hope to alleviate some of the financial burdens on these couples and empower them to build a brighter future. The foundation remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing social welfare through various charitable activities.

Across the globe, millions of women face unique social and economic challenges due to the absence of family suppor or legal guardianship. These women are often left without protection, financial stability, or access to essential services. In many cultures, guardianship still plays a central role in determining a woman’s ability to work, study, or even receive medical care. When that safety net is missing, women can become highly vulnerable to poverty, discrimination, and social isolation.

This article explores the needs of women without guardians, the systemic challenges they face, and the vital role of charities and nonprofit organizations in providing both immediate relief and long-term empowerment.

Access to quality healthcarCharity Medical Services: Supporting Patients and the Community

Access to quality healthcare is one of the most pressing issues of our time. While medical science has advanced rapidly, millions of people worldwide still struggle to afford basic healthcare services. For disadvantaged groups — including low-income families, refugees, and people living in remote areas — the cost of treatments, medicines, and even simple consultations can feel impossible.

This is where charity medical services step in. These initiatives not only provide medical support to individuals in need but also strengthen entire communities by promoting health, dignity, and hope.

Video Oral Statement by Dr. Morteza Fouladpour, Vice President of the International Charity Foundation "Abshar Atefeha"

Oral Video Statement by Dr. Morteza Fouladpour, Vice President of Atashar Atefeha International Charity Foundation, at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Date: September 10, 2025 (Iranian calendar: 1404/06/19)

Four main barriers impede the realization of this right today.

First, persistent poverty restricts access to resources and opportunities needed for economic and social progress.

Second, armed conflicts disrupt development by destroying infrastructure and displacing populations, undermining stability essential for growth.

Third, systemic inequalities—whether based on gender, ethnicity, or class—limit equitable participation, perpetuating exclusion from development benefits.

Fourth, climate change inflicts severe environmental degradation, threatening livelihoods and hindering sustainable development efforts.

Besides these four main challenges, other factors make development even harder. Unilateral actions, ignoring international laws, lack of accountability for crimes like genocide, and rising militarization instead of cooperation between nations have made these problems worse.

A full report, including visual materials, will be presented as well.

Prepared by:
International Affairs Division
Atashar Atefeha International Charity Foundation

Caravans from forty countries have set sail to break the siege on Gaza

In today’s interconnected world, charitable giving is no longer confined to local communities—it’s evolved into a powerful global movement. With just a few clicks, individuals can now support humanitarian initiatives across borders, bridging cultural divides and extending compassion worldwide. However, as the number of online fundraising platforms increases, a critical question arises: how can donors identify the most trustworthy charity donation websites

"At Abshar-e Atefeha Foundation, our mission is to extend support to an even larger number of underprivileged individuals across the country. To achieve this, we are actively expanding our reach and developing our presence in multiple areas of service. By establishing local representatives in both urban centers and rural communities, we aim to foster deeper connections and build lasting trust among the public. As we continue to grow, so does our ability to create meaningful, nationwide impact—together with the people we serve and those who support our mission."

Free medical and pharmaceutical services for children and adults in Iraq and the city of Karbala

Gaza Health Ministry: 650,000 children on the verge of death

During the 12-day war waged by the Zionist regime agianst Iran, 3 missiles struck to the ICU section of Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah. Due to the intensity of the blast wave, parts of the hospital were destroyed.
This occurred despite the fact that, under international law__including Article 18 of the Genva convention__hospitals and medical facilities must never be targeted during war.
Most of the patients in this hospital were psychiatric and neurological cases. At the time of the explosion, around 200 patients were hospitalized there.
According to the hospital director, during this attack, part of the medical center's roof collapsed, and the hospital's facilities sustained over 80 billion tomans in damage.
The Zionist regime's aggression against the country caused severe damage to 7 hospitals and medical centers, resulting in the martyrdom of 18 medical and rescue personnel.

Major General Mousavi (Iranian military rank): America, by attacking Iran, has freed the hands of the Armed Forces to take any necessary action.
Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces: The United States, in continued all-out support of the savage and aggressive Zionist regime, has blatantly and directly violated the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic, entered into war, and encroached upon the sacred soil of our country.
The criminal America must know that while we punish Israel, this has freed the hands of the warriors of Iran within the Armed Forces to take any action against U.S. interests and military forces. Under no circumstances will we back down from this position.

Iran's missive to Security Council complaining about Grossi's approach to Tehran's peaceful nuclear program.

The leadership of Islamic Republic of Iran: The Americans must know that any entree of the U.S military would cause a irreparable damage for them.

Statement Condemning Israel's Attacks on Iran: Violations of International Law and Human Rights

Borujerdi: Iran's show of power will multiply in the coming days.
Member of the National Security council and Foreign Policy committee of the Parliament: The Zionists failed, that's why America invaded Iran.
Their economy is in disarray, the Israel's military and political prestige has been destroyed. In short; they are desperate.
Punishment from Iran will continue until results are achieved.
The Islamic Republic had said that if they made a calculation error, there would be bad consequences for them. The Arab League and Foreign ministers of Islamic countries in Istanbul, Türkiye condemned Israel's aggression.
Iran is just at the beginning of its operation against Israel's on the tenth day.
Iran's military capabilities are beyond their imagination and prediction.