Reply of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
to the Statement by the United States
Before the Third Committee, UNGA 76
New York, 19 October 2021
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Mr. Chair,
I would like to first reject the ridiculous us accusations. I am delighted to announce that both in law and practice, Iranians, irrespective of their religion, have every access to education, health-care services, housing and employment opportunities. It should also be added that according to Article 23 of the Constitution, inquisition of one’s belief is strictly forbidden and, no one can be subjected to questioning and aggression for merely holding an opinion.
To ensure that the voices of other religions in spite of lower number of their constituents are also heard, several seats of the Parliament are allocated to their representatives. No consequential barrier exists between religious societies in Iran. Nevertheless, initiatives to improve interconnectedness and cordial relations between people are continuously pursued. To that end, the appointment of a Presidential advisor in ethnic and religious minorities affairs contributes to the elimination of possible bureaucratic inconveniences.
Mr. Chair,
We are witnessing a surge of Islamophobic comments propagated by some political figures, parliamentary members and even heads of States, especially from the United States, without being properly addressed by the international community.
How is it possible that certain western countries claim to be defending the human rights of people and their freedom of religion or belief, while in fact they implement specific laws to prevent Muslim girls from attending schools only because they wear hijab. On the other hand, these countries funnel arms and resources to extremist groups in West Asia. Why is it? Is it not because they want these extremist groups to advance their hidden agenda? Just take a look at almost all human rights violations taking place across the globe, especially in war-ravaged countries, then you can see that the root cause of people’s plights and miseries is the U.S. and its allies.
I thank you.