Statement of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
At the General Debate of the Second Committee
78th Meeting of the General Assembly
New York – 2 October 2023
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr. Chairman,
Allow me to extend my congratulations to you on your election as the Chair of the Second Committee, as well as to other members of the Bureau on their election. Please be assured of my delegation’s full support and cooperation.
My Delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Delegation of Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Now, more than ever, the world needs strengthened global solidarity and multilateral cooperation, with the leading role of the United Nations to tackle our multifaceted regional and global challenges.
Our experience emphasizes the importance of an enabling external environment. The provision of means of implementation is a vital factor, and developed countries are expected to fulfill their commitments regarding financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity building, without politicizing any intergovernmental process.
The right to development and its full realization serve the best interests of the international community and pave the way for further promotion of all human rights worldwide. Therefore, it is imperative to place the right to development at the top of our agenda, realizing it for every country.
Unilateral coercive measures are inhumane and violate basic human rights. Such actions not only undermine the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law but also severely threaten the freedom of trade and investment, and violate the principle of the right to development, leaving behind the priorities of more than two billion people in affected countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Much of the West Asian region now suffers from a hotter and drier climate well above the global average temperature rise. It is currently faced with severe episodes of environmental challenges such as chronic drought, water scarcity, and the impact of climate change, particularly dust and sand storms.
Unfortunately, UCMs have exacerbated the existing environmental problems in the targeted countries. Sanctions imposed on Iran restrict my country's ability to acquire necessary foreign investments, technologies, as well as goods and services, to address environmental challenges.
Sand and dust storms are among our environmental and sustainable development challenges, requiring regional and global action. I am pleased to inform you that, in cooperation with the United Nations, an international conference on this matter was held in Tehran in September 2023 to enhance regional and global cooperation to tackle this issue.
As you are aware, the Islamic Republic of Iran currently ranks as the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in the world. Despite the sanctions, Iran continues to provide services in various fields of education, health, and food for more than 5 million Afghans and 700 thousand students and children living in Iran. These foreign children and students impose a substantial burden, particularly on my country's education system. The Government has facilitated the enrollment of Afghan children and other undocumented foreign children in primary and secondary schools. These children need serious support, especially in building hospitals and schools. International organizations should pay special attention to this issue and strive to fulfill their commitments.
Mr. Chairman,
The year 2024 is an extraordinary year, especially for developing countries. Many processes are to be negotiated in this year. It is highly important that all processes fully consider the different realities, capacities, and levels of national development of Member States with respect to national policies, priorities, and cultures.
We need to enable the international environment as a prerequisite for ensuring the requirements of the summit of the future. This must include:
Upholding multilateralism and the crucial role of the United Nations at the center of our efforts, in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, fully respecting the principle of CBDR.
Restructuring the international financial architecture.
Prioritizing the eradication of poverty.
Ensuring the timely provision of adequate, predictable, and sustainable means of implementation.
Mr. Chairman, I cannot conclude my statement without emphasizing how Unilateral Coercive Measures, including economic sanctions, are a threat to our multilateralism, solidarity, and cooperation in meeting our common goals. Such unwarranted and unlawful measures undermine the right to development, health, and life of the peoples of targeted countries, especially during natural disasters and global pandemics.
Thank you for your attention.