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 68: (a-d) Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

“Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan”

New York, 26 October 2022

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

Mr. Chair,

I thank the SR for the briefing.

Over a year after the Taliban took over, the situation in Afghanistan remains challenging.

The de-facto authorities have yet to fulfill their international obligations, particularly the repeated calls for the formation of an inclusive and representative government that accurately reflects Afghan’s multi-ethnic society.

We also underline the critical need for providing security throughout Afghanistan against terror attacks that have targeted different ethnic and religious communities in this country. The right of Women in Afghanistan should be ensured, including their right to education.

As a neighbor to Afghanistan, since last year, thousands of Afghans have entered Iran on a daily basis. However, neighbors of Afghanistan, including Iran, should not feel all the burdens associated with receiving Afghan refugees.

The international community must continue to assist Afghanistan. In this regard, the frozen assets belong to the Afghan people and must be returned in full, without being politicized or conditional in any way.

I thank you