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22 January, 2026IndustriALL Global Union condemns the escalating violence against largely peaceful protesters in Iran, alongside the total shutdown of the internet and social media that has cut the country off from the outside world.
The communications blackout is being used to conceal serious human rights’ violations, silence workers’ voices and prevent documentation of abuses. Restoring full access to the internet and independent communications is an urgent and legitimate demand of the protests.
Since late December, demonstrations driven by a deepening economic crisis, soaring inflation and collapsing livelihoods have spread rapidly across the country. Protesters have faced extreme repression, including the use of military grade ammunition and heavy weaponry in urban areas. Reports from inside Iran, despite the blackout, indicate mass arrests, widespread injuries and a rising death toll. The use of lethal force against people exercising their fundamental rights to protest and strike is unacceptable and must end immediately.
The detention and imprisonment of people for participating in protests is another grave violation. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees arrested for taking part in demonstrations are fully justified. No one should be deprived of their rights and freedoms because they have spoken out against poverty, injustice or corruption.
The blackout itself constitutes a serious violation of the right to information and freedom of expression. Cutting off internet and phone services not only isolates the population but also places lives at further risk by preventing access to emergency services, independent news and international scrutiny. An internet shutdown is not a security measure; it is a tool to hide crimes.
Alongside condemning the violence and repression, IndustriALL reiterates core labour and human rights demands. Iranian authorities must fully implement the provisions of the International Labour Organization conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association, collective bargaining and trade union rights. The Islamic Republic of Iran must recognize the right of workers to strike in defence of fair wages and humane conditions of service.
The current economic crisis has pushed millions into poverty. Iran must set a minimum wage at a level that allows workers and their families to afford food, housing and essential utilities, ensuring a dignified standard of living for all. Policies that entrench inequality while protecting elite privilege have fuelled widespread anger and must be reversed.
IndustriALL assistant general secretary, Kemal Özkan, said:
“Iranian workers and citizens are legitimately demanding dignity, justice and a voice in shaping their today and future. The use of violence against them is unacceptable and all those detained for exercising their rights must be released immediately. Iran must respect international labour standards, recognize the right to strike and ensure wages that allow workers and their families to live in dignity. IndustriALL Global Union stresses that the future course of developments in Iran is the sole preserve of its people.”
IndustriALL stands in solidarity with the people and workers of Iran. The demands being raised for an end to violence, for freedom of communication, for the release of detainees, for basic labour rights and for economic justice are legitimate and rooted in universal human dignity. The international community must not remain silent in the face of repression carried out behind a wall of digital darkness.
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