Statement by
Ms. Fatemeh Arab Bafrani
Second Secretary
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the Third Committee of the 77th Session of the General Assembly
On Agenda Item 25: “Social Development”
General Discussion
New York, 29 September 2022
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
My delegation aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the G77 and China.
We take note of the reports submitted to the Committee under this agenda item, particularly the Secretary-General's emphasis on the importance of multilateralism as well as the essentiality of international cooperation and solidarity based on joint responsibility, with mutual trust to ensure an equitable and resilient recovery as contained in document A/77/175.
Notwithstanding the different contexts and levels of development, the pandemic significantly challenged countries in their efforts to provide basic and quality services in the fields of health, education, employment, social protection, labour market, etc. However, its disproportionate impact on developing countries is evident and indisputable.
To overcome inequalities among and within countries to accelerate the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the negative impacts of socioeconomic crises, we must strengthen global solidarity and multilateral cooperation in our search for shared progress.
The Special Rapporteur on the UCMs in her report delivered to the 51st session of the HRC following her visit this year to my country has highlighted that the economic sanctions have undermined Iran`s national efforts toward economic self-sufficiency as a response to the sanctions-induced socio-economic pressures, and have led to growing poverty, exacerbated socio-economic inequalities, and insufficient resources aimed at guaranteeing the basic needs of low-income people and other vulnerable peoples, including people suffering from rare or severe diseases, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrants and refugees, women-led households and children.
Despite disregarding multilateralism and challenging the rules-based international order by the United States through the imposition of economic sanctions, Iran has taken several effective measures to reduce the negative impacts of the UCMs while addressing the pandemic and post-pandemic situation, including the increased demand for health, education and social protection sections.
My Government has instituted comprehensive packages during the Pandemic that include cash transfer measures; targeted interventions to support small businesses as well as the entrepreneurs; expansion of social protections and simplifications for its delivery; along with provisions for debt relief and interest-free loans to vulnerable business and households, including women-headed households and rural women and girls.
My delegation underlines the important and positive contributions that young people bring to the future of our societies as well as its development and emphasizes the need to empower the youth. Iran reiterates the critical importance of considering the needs, priorities and challenges of the youth from developing countries.
We should undertake any pertinent strategies in all levels to eradicate poverty and hunger while also taking into consideration the resilience of society and the family.
To sum up, my delegation reiterates its support for the essential work of the Commission on Social Development (CSoCD). We believe that the UN system must address the social development challenges and needs faced by developing countries, particularly those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic circumstances. To facilitate and accelerate our response to the socioeconomic crisis while enhancing people’s capabilities and well-being and combat inequalities, we must insist on multilateralism and condemn any unilateral coercive measures.
I thank you Mr. Chair.