Statement by

Mr. Ali Karimi Magham

Political Attaché

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the Third Committee, UNGA 76

On Item 74: Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

The Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development

New York, 14 October 2021

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

Mr. Chair,

As an integral part of human rights, one cannot hope for the full realization of human rights without the realization of the right to development. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes incorporation of a development-based perspective into human rights, and is of the view that such an approach can play a constructive role in achieving goal 13 of sustainable development and provide a basis for better realization of human rights while addressing its obstacles, including the inhumane and illegal unilateral coercive measures.

As an integral part of human rights, one cannot hope for the full realization of human rights without the realization of the right to development. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes incorporation of a development-based perspective into human rights, and is of the view that such an approach can play a constructive role in achieving goal 13 of sustainable development and provide a basis for better realization of human rights while addressing its obstacles, including the inhumane and illegal unilateral coercive measures.

Therefore, my Government welcomes a critical and expert review of all UN mechanisms on existing barriers to governmental and non-governmental investment in development and infrastructure, the impacts of unilateral coercive measures on the realization of the right to development and sustainable development goals, as well as the States’ obligations and duty to cooperate on the right to development and its challenges.

The inhumane and illegal unilateral coercive measures, poverty, inequality and obstacles to transfer of knowledge and experience in various areas of development, including in order to have an effective and timely response to the COVID-19 pandemic have all dealt a hefty blow to infrastructure in developing countries and hindered foreign investment by private and public sectors.

Over compliance with unilateral coercive measures and resorting to threats against foreign governmental and non-governmental investors constitute insurmountable obstacles to the realization of the right to development. The Islamic Republic of Iran recalls several Human Rights Council and General Assembly resolutions which condemn any act, implementation and over compliance with unilateral coercive measures.

Mr. Chair,

The so-called activists as well as sanctioning States are also yet to react to the inhumane and illegal unilateral coercive measures targeting Iran’s development plans. This is nothing short of a disgrace for the international community.

I thank you.