Expressing deep concern over published reports concerning the violent actions of French police forces against protesters during the nationwide protests and strikes held on 5 November 2026 in various cities across the country, the council condemns the disproportionate use of repressive measures, the deployment of tear gas, and the widespread arrest of citizens, and calls for full respect for the fundamental rights of protesters and for the practical adherence of the French Government to its international human rights obligations.

According to published reports, during these protests, which were held with the extensive participation of workers, students, public-sector employees, and other segments of society, in protest against livelihood issues, the economic situation, wages, and public service conditions, at least 448 people were arrested by the police.

Reports have also been published concerning the use of tear gas by security forces and coercive interventions at certain assemblies. Although the figures for the number of participants are disputed between official sources and trade unions, the scale of these protests indicates the significance of the social and economic demands of a considerable segment of French society.

The council emphasizes that the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association are fundamental rights recognized under international human rights law. These rights are expressly set forth in Articles 19, 21, and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and France, as a State Party to this Covenant, is obligated to respect, protect, and effectively ensure them.

Furthermore, pursuant to Article 21 of the aforementioned Covenant, any restriction on the right to peaceful assembly may be imposed solely within the framework of the conditions prescribed by law and in compliance with the requirements of necessity and proportionality.

Under the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, law enforcement officials are also required, to the greatest extent possible, to use non-violent means and, where the use of force is unavoidable, to employ it only to the extent necessary and in a manner proportionate to the circumstances.

The council points out that the maintenance of public order and social security does not constitute a license to violate the fundamental rights of citizens, engage in arbitrary conduct, use disproportionate violence, or impose unnecessary restrictions on civil liberties. The right to peaceful protest is a right belonging to all people without discrimination, and States are obligated, even in circumstances involving widespread protests and social tensions, to ensure the security of protesters, their right to express their demands, and the possibility of holding peaceful assemblies.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized that human rights are universal, indivisible, and belong to all human beings, and that they must not be turned into an instrument for exerting political pressure, interfering in the internal affairs of States, or selectively accusing governments. Within this framework, States that present themselves as defenders of civil liberties and human rights in international forums are expected to genuinely and without discrimination uphold these same standards in their own treatment of their citizens.

Human rights cannot be used merely as a political slogan or an instrument for assessing and criticizing other countries, while remaining indifferent to fundamental human rights principles when confronted with the social demands and protests of their own citizens.

The credibility of States’ human rights claims is measured not by their propagandistic and political positions, but by the extent of their practical adherence to the rights and freedoms of their people, particularly under difficult and crisis situations.

The council expects the French Government to exercise restraint and refrain from any form of violent conduct or disproportionate use of force, to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of protesters, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to guarantee the legal rights of those detained.

It is also essential that reports concerning police violence be investigated independently and impartially, and that legal action be taken against those responsible for any violation of citizens’ rights. Rather than securitizing social demands and resorting to coercive measures, the French Government should provide a practical response to the legitimate and lawful demands of the people, particularly in the areas of livelihood, employment, and social justice, through dialogue and responsible accountability.

In conclusion, the council emphasizes that respect for human rights must not be subject to geography, nationality, political orientation, or the considerations and interests of States.

The French Government and other countries claiming to defend human rights must, instead of adopting double standards and exploiting these concepts as instruments, exercise restraint, comply in practice with their international obligations, and address the legitimate demands of their citizens through dialogue, accountability, and democratic mechanisms.