A/HRC/40/24 18. Gunmen attacked a military parade in Ahvaz on 22 September 2018. At least 24 persons were reportedly killed, including children, and more than 60 persons were injured. 36 The Secretary-General condemned the attack and expressed his condolences. 37 According to information received by OHCHR, at least 180 individuals from Ahwazi Arab minority groups have been detained incommunicado since 24 September in connection with the attack.38 The Ministry of Intelligence announced that only 22 people had been arrested. 39 The authorities later denied allegations concerning their execution. 40 The Secretary-General calls for transparency on the number of persons arrested, their fate and whereabouts, and the charges they may be facing. B. Impact of the economic and financial challenges on the realization of human rights Economic and financial challenges 19. Large-scale protests across the Islamic Republic of Iran starting in late December 2017 and continuing into early January 2018 were prompted by falling living standards, water scarcity, unemployment and high inflation. Despite the Government’s declared intention to address the population’s grievances, notably through direct support packages, 41 social unrest has continued. 20. Due to internal and external factors, including in anticipation of the reimposition of sanctions by the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran has seen growing difficulties in its economy. The value of the Iranian national currency, before it stabilized recently, reportedly fell by up to 60 per cent in 2018, significantly increasing import costs. In this context, the affordability of medical care has deteriorated. According to some medical academics, patients with Parkinson’s disease are experiencing difficulties in accessing treatment due to its high cost. 42 Reports describe a twofold increase in the price of hearing aids since 2018.43 21. In December 2018, the Iranian Central Bank reported 44 a significant increase in prices of food commodities compared to December 2017, ranging from 15 per cent for beans to 62 per cent for fresh fruits. High food-price volatility has had a negative impact on food security and particularly affects the most vulnerable groups, including low-income populations.45 22. The Secretary-General is encouraged by the Government’s efforts to comply with the requirements of the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force, including through legislation aimed at making the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran consistent with international standards. He welcomes the fact that two of the four proposed bills related to Financial Action Task Force requirements have become law. In its comments on the present report, the Government noted that the fight against money-laundering was enshrined in article 49 of the Constitution. 23. On 8 May 2018, the President of the United States of America signed National Security Presidential Memorandum 11, ceasing the participation of the United States in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action46 and paving the way for full reimposition of sanctions 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 6 See www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13523.doc.htm. See www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19229.doc.htm. See www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/11/iran-fears-mounting-for-detained-ahwazi-arabs-amidreports-of-secret-executions/. See www.isna.ir/news/97070201416/. See www.isna.ir/news/97082110201. See http://tn.ai/1860143 and www.mizanonline.com/fa/news/464883/. See www.irna.ir/fa/News/83048032. See www.yjc.ir/00S1aK. See www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1397/09/10/1888233/. See www.fao.org/3/a-i2417e.pdf. See www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ceasing-u-s-participation-jcpoa-taking-additionalaction-counter-irans-malign-influence-deny-iran-paths-nuclear-weapon/.