Explanation of Position Regarding the Election of Iran to Represent the Asia Pacific Group on the UN Forum on Forests Bureau

Jason Lawrence
Adviser for Economic and Social Affairs
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 2, 2020

Submitted to the United Nations Secretariat on July 2, 2020

Mr. Boris Greguska,

This message is regarding the election of Iran to represent the Asia Pacific Group on the UN Forum on Forests bureau as a vice chair.

The United States wishes to express its views on this matter by means of the explanation of position (EOP) below. We request that the Secretariat appropriately post this EOP, including on the e-delegate portal, as has been the practice for EOPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Begin text of Explanation of Position:

Iran’s position as vice chair of the UN Forum on Forests represents a disservice to the importance of sustainable forest management. Iran’s targeting and detention of conservationists and environmental activists harms efforts to conserve natural resources.

Thank you.

###