How are human rights abuses in Iran documented?

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her conversation with Skylar Thompson, Deputy Director, and Jennifer Connet, Legal Advisor, at Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA). They discuss how HRA documents human rights violations inside Iran, preserves evidence, and protects victims, witnesses, and sources in a high-risk environment.

The conversation explores HRA’s extensive network inside Iran, including its relationships with people across the country and inside prisons. Skylar explains how information is verified and corroborated, then analysed to identify patterns, responsible institutions and individuals, and broader systems of repression. She also discusses

the security considerations involved in deciding what can safely be published.

Finally, Skylar and Jennifer share advice for people interested in human rights work: remain curious, humble and open to learning, build relationships with people you respect, and recognise that careers often develop in unexpected ways.

👤 Guest Bio

Skylar Thompson

• Deputy Director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).
• Joined HRA in 2020 as its first advocacy officer.
• Previously worked on criminal justice reform in the United States.
• Holds an LLM from the University of Essex.

Jennifer Connet

• Legal Advisor at HRA.
• Human rights and international humanitarian law specialist.
• Holds an LLM from the University of Essex.
• Previously worked with USAID and in humanitarian aid.

Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA)

• Founded in Iran in 2006.
• Based in Washington, DC, with a global team.
• Documents human rights violations and preserves evidence for future accountability.

📚 Resources & Links

• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast
• Donate / support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate
• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de
• Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA)

🗒️ Key Take-Aways

• Documentation: HRA combines on-the-ground information, verification, analysis, and secure archiving to document violations.
• Protection: Protecting victims, witnesses, sources, and their families is central to HRA’s documentation work.
• Accountability: Careful evidence preservation can support future investigations and accountability efforts.
• Sustained attention: The challenges facing people in Iran continue beyond periods of international media attention.
• Human rights careers: Curiosity, humility, openness to learning, and strong professional relationships can shape non-linear career paths.

📢 Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Just Access Podcast to receive future episodes.
• Share this episode with colleagues and networks interested in Iran, human rights and international justice.
• Listen to Part 1 of the conversation with Skylar Thompson and Jennifer Connet.
• Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.
• Support Just Access’s work at https://just-access.de/donate.
• Everyone can be a human rights defender.

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