Reply of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the third Committee, UNGA 77

Under agenda item 68 (c): Human Rights situations and reports

of special rapporteurs and representatives

“situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”

New York, 16 November 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chair,

Either for us as the UN Member States, or for this august body, it should be a shame that a purely human rights discourse would be manipulated as a political weapon. I, along with many others in this room, vehemently reject this political charade that its co-sponsors are considered to be dishonest in their advocacy for the real cause of human rights.

Contrary to the US claims in the protection of human rights, Iranians continue to suffer greatly as the result of the United States’ decades-long brutal sanctions; a vivid violation of human rights, and a crime against humanity. Therefore, the United States, the only country that is not a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the one that hasn't ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and also the one that isn't still a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights is not qualified to educate us on the human rights in such a way.

Canada, this self-appointed human rights guardian, this Israeli apartheid proponent, with a daily track record of discrimination against indigenous peoples as well as the shocking news of ethnic cleansing of native children at the site of its residential schools should reconsider its policy of launching a smear campaign against such a country of Iranian Islamic civilization.

The European countries, the proponents of this biased resolution, are also urged to address the deep-rooted human rights challenges on their soil.

It's not that we're perfect. But, we do not recognize the perfection they prescribe. In essence, any advocacy for human rights by the main sponsors of this country-specific resolution is a complete scam.

Mr. Chair,

To enhance the credibility of human rights discourse, Iran seeks respectful dialogue without recrimination or a blame game. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches high importance to cooperation and interaction with the OHCHR and non-discriminatory intergovernmental human rights mechanisms, including the UPR. In this vein, the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights has completed her visit to Iran this year.

We are driven by our sincere conviction that the promotion and protection of human rights and dignity is our mission and responsibility, based on the long aspirations of our people. But, unfortunately, the main proponents of this resolution deny whole the achievements made by my Government in this regard, particularly on the advancement of women and girls. This is while women in Iran enjoy their right to education, to work, to own and sell property, to seek protection by the law, to vote, to participate in civic and political engagement, and to fully enjoy opportunities to advance themselves.

Mr. Chair,

According to several principles of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Government is responsible for protecting the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, as has been previously reiterated, violence and disorder should not be categorized as peaceful assembly. These acts violate the human rights of others. It is obvious that during circumstances of such nature, law enforcement officers are required to implement appropriate legal measures in performing their legal duties assigned thereto so as to maintain and ensure safety and security as well as public order.

To conclude Mr. Chair,

While reiterating that the work of the Third Committee should be conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational, and non-politicized manner, we categorically reject the falsehoods and accusations made by some specific delegations, in particular, the UK and the US regarding recent developments in Iran.

In addition, I wish to highlight that the NGOs are and have been present in the room today. While we support the participation of the NGOs with respect to the existing rules of procedure, we reject the UK's claim in this regard.

Furthermore, we are astonished by the SAUDIA representative's comments and inaccurate reading and extensive interpretation of Islam and Sharia. That is why the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has resorted to a saw and an ax rather than a judicial court. Similarly, Saudi Arabia, as a UN member is required to adhere to its international obligations, respect international norms, and behave more responsibly by refraining from using insulting and improper terms while addressing other sovereign states.

I thank you