Statement by

H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

during the action on the resolution E/2023/L.4

entitled “Removal of the Islamic Republic of Iran from membership in the Commission on the Status of Women for the remainder of its 2022–2026 term”

Under agenda item 19 (a)

Before the United Nations Economic and Social Council

New York, 14 December 2022

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

Madam President,

Today, we are witnessing yet another evidence of the United States' hostile policy toward Iranian people, particularly Iranian women, which is being pursued under the guise of defending human rights and in the form of a removal policy that is specific to the United States and its allies.

The U.S. and its allies have participated in and interfered with the toppling of multiple legitimate governments via both overt and covert means. If they are unable to restore their puppet government to power, they will stage a coup, if they are unable to halt your progress in science, technology, and nuclear energy, they will assassinate your scientists; if you refuse to obey or bow to their oppressive policies, they will apply maximum pressure and impose UCMs even on pharmaceuticals; and if they are unable to prevent you from joining an international body, they will do whatever it takes to expel you. All these policies, which have been in place for almost 40 years, are intended to impede Iranians' advancement, especially that of women and girls.

Madam President,

The issue is straightforward. The Islamic Republic of Iran has become a member of the CSW with a high number of 43 votes among the 54 ECOSOC Member States through a transparent and democratic election and with the support of the Asian-Pacific Group.

The US request is entirely illegal as the Council members are fully aware that there is no precedent in the Council's practice of terminating an elected member's participation in a functional Commission for any alleged reason, nor it is supported by the Council's rule of procedures.

Despite this, one member—a bullying member notorious for disobeying the UN Charter and international law—intends to pursue its unlawful request to remove an elected member from the Commission, only on the basis of unfounded claims and fabricated arguments, by means of fabricated and demonizing narrative that in turn sets a dangerous precedent and undermining the rule of law at the UN system.

Madam President,

It is not at all unexpected that the United States is taking such unlawful action against Iran given its long-standing hostility toward the Iranian people, but if carried out, it would be exceedingly dangerous to the UN System's integrity. It contravenes the letter and spirit of the UN Charter, notably its basic notion of sovereign equality of States in membership with meaningful and equal participation in all multilateral forums, which has been recognized as the main pillar of multilateralism and the UN System. This illegal conduct might also create a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences.

Madam President,

This request is simply another stark example of US hypocrisy. The US has made it a standard practice to abuse and derail such valued concepts as human rights in order to achieve its illegitimate political goal, and it has achieved so by utilizing UN platforms and resources.

The CSW's long-standing resolution recognizing the horrific plight of Palestinian women under Israeli occupation is a prime example of such double standards and hypocrisy. While the consequences of Israel's occupation on the Palestinian people are on the ECOSOC agenda, the US has remained silent on Israel's violations of Palestinian women's rights.

Madam President,

It is intolerable for the United States to witness strong, dynamic, self-sufficient, and intelligent Iranian women actively participating in economic, social, and political life.

It is frustrating news for the US: whether we are members of the CSW or not, the Iranian women and girls will engage actively and effectively in many international fora.

Madam President,

We strongly believe that all Member States should condemn any action that compromises the outcome of the democratic process and establishes a contentious precedent in order to fulfill certain states' narrow political objectives while claiming to be safeguarding human rights.

 Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects and strongly condemns the draft resolution E/2023/L.4, and kindly urges ECOSOC members to vote against it.

I thank you, Madam President