Statement by

Mr. Khani Jooyabad

First Counselor

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR

New York, 13 October 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. Chair,

I thank the ASG for her engagement and briefing. My delegation also extends its most genuine congratulations to Mr. Volker Türk, who will take office in the forthcoming month. Iran hopes for great success in his role and future vocation.

The Islamic Republic of Iran highlights its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In order to further interact with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right, Iran has held several specialized meetings in recent years and intends to continue the existing cooperation.

Iran has always interacted and cooperated with international mechanisms and responded to correspondence received from the Special Procedures Mandate Holders of the HRC.

In this vein, I would like to underscore the recent visit of Ms. Alena Douhan, SR on UCM from my country from 7 to 18 May 2022. The invitation extended to the Special Rapporteur is clearly emblematic of the Government’s commitment to cooperation and the transparent and constructive approach taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran vis-à-vis international human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. The Special Rapporteur’s findings divulge more than ever the need for the international community to adopt a responsible and committed approach towards the States imposing and enforcing unilateral coercive measures, especially the United States. The lack of effective measures by the international community against the deprivation of the people of a land of their fundamental rights by imposing an economic blockade there against constitutes a flagrant violation of general and specific international obligations.

Iran strongly believes that further consideration of human rights issues should take into account the fundamental principles of universality, transparency, impartiality, non-selectivity, non-politicization and objectivity.

The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the so-called resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran and any other mandates that resulted from it. My delegation is of the view that the SR on the Human Rights of Iran is a failed and completely politicized mandate.  We would also condemn interventionism of the US in internal affairs of independent States under the guise of Human Rights.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, based upon its religious beliefs and legal obligations, continues to be committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and is ready to interact and cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms.

We highly expect the High Commissioner addresses the sad reality that for a long time, many victims of UCMs in Iran and other developing countries are facing with. Human rights are not owned by anyone and are not supposed to be conveniently misused by particular States for political rivalries.

I thank you