Statement by

H.E. Ms. Zahra Ershadi

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before the Virtual Official Launch of the “Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations”

New York, 6 July 2021

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

Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,

At the outset, I would like to extend my appreciation to you and your team for conducting such a timely initiative as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations and the adoption of its Charter.

Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,

Today, as reflected in the history of modern international relations, independent States that are forced to pay the price for the defense of their principles rooted in international law and morality are also made to pioneer the rules and principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

There is no doubt that the United Nations is presently in a critical juncture incomparable to anything it has seen since the very dawn of its establishment. Furthermore, it would not be an exaggeration to claim that even the international system in general is in a critical juncture considering the severe attack imposed on multilateralism, the intentional disregard directed towards the independence and equality of States, the unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of independent States, the ever-increasing unilateralism as well as the flagrant violation of the rules and principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, all shadowed by the unfortunate absence of justice.

The unrelenting attack against and continuous undermining of rule-based international relations that were the ultimate aim of the founders of the United Nations and the signatories to its Charter are a distressing issue, for which an effective remedy must be granted. International relations, a keystone to the efficient functioning of the United Nations, are now heavily threatened by the arbitrary interpretation of the principles and rules of international law, including the Charter, as well as the misuse of UN mechanisms by certain States in order to achieve their narrow political agenda.

It is most regrettable that the international community stands witness to the cooperation and alliance of some countries against others, not for the benefit of humankind but for their self-serving interests that are carried out in the form of invasion, aggression and the illegal and inhumane imposition of unilateral coercive measures.

Dear Colleagues,

We welcome this timely initiative, and we see the establishment of the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter as an appropriate forum for upholding the principles of the Charter. It is the responsibility of all States to not only avoid recognizing any breaches of international law but to also express their opposition to such wrongful acts and violations. This is the time and place where we can raise our voice in honor of upholding the principles of the UN Charter, condemning its violations and taking the necessary concrete measures to address these breaches in order to prevent the establishment of any wrongful precedents. My delegation is looking forward to working with you all in order to achieve that goal.

Thank you.