Right of Reply

Agenda item 71: Promotion and Protection of the Human ‎Rights

18 October 2023

General discussion

In response to the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations leveled against my country during the general discussion under agenda item 71 "Promotion and Protection of Human Rights", we wish to exercise our right of reply.

Ironically, this august body is hosted by the most brutal and inhumane violator of human rights, which has no other interest other than to support the Israeli regime that attacks hospitals full of sick and civilians seeking refuge.

It`s horrible. It`s heartbreaking to watch the news and see the situation of innocent Palestinians that is deteriorating every single day.

In order to observe where the truth lies, the US representative should ‎ stroll through Manhattan streets and observe the protests against the brutal ‎occupation by the Israeli apartheid regime. As a result, they would no longer conceal their vicious nature in remaining on the darkest side of history.

When the representatives of the apartheid regime invite the UN Member States to stand with them, while introducing themselves as peace seekers, it is not illogical to doubt the real meaning of peace.

The time is now to undo the legacies of exceptionalism, discrimination, and securitization perpetuated by Guantánamo’s continuing existence. Closure of the facility remains a priority. Of course, in the United States, it makes no difference whether you are in the prison chain or if you are in the chain of racism and racial discrimination.

Dead bodies piled under the feet of the US and EU dictatorships by the imposition of illegal unilateral coercive measures and economic war in the targeted countries is a flagrant manifestation of sacrificing humanity.

Mr. Chair,

We are not surprised that EU members are burden sharing among themselves to accuse my country or any other. How can we deny the reality of a Union that exists thanks to its dictatorial method to force its members to follow the recipe prepared in the EU's kitchen? Despite its poisonous nature, its members have no choice but to ingest it.

They should be called the “European Anti-Sovereign-State Union” which has no source to draft their statements on the sovereign States but the unprofessional and dubious media outlets.

At the national, regional, and international levels, they celebrate the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, but don't even flip through its principles and articles that emphasize the importance of fostering friendly relations between nations.

Of course, they cannot easily get rid of the historical racism that runs in their blood.

EU members statements, all are filled with false positions against the UN independent Member States. They are burning in the furnaces of their anger rooted in their hatred of the peoples of these nations. They have nothing to provide us with, but to overload the UN system with their bond of unity to impose their so-called values, dos, and don'ts in human rights.

France is well known for its high rate of domestic and sexual violence. Girls' right to education is violated in France, since they cannot attend schools with Islamic dress codes. France should clarify in this regard.

Mr. Chair,

My delegation would like to address the representatives of Canada, Australia and other countries that raised illegitimate issues about the way my country legislates and conducts the national realities within its territory.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, any laws, including the law on Hijab, are passed through a thorough process that considers the Islamic values, cultural background, legal context, as well as the reality, need, and demand of the citizens. Our constitution provides men and women with the same level of protection. Therefore, they are equal before the implementation of the law, as well.

Iran is fully aware of the commitments and obligations under International Law. Iran is adhered to the promotion and protection of human rights of all its people, including Iranian women and girls.

The representatives of these countries are urged to review the Charter as the cornerstone of this august body and refrain from politicizing the Third Committee platform.

I thank you.