Ambassador Lisa Carty
U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council
New York, New York
November 16, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair. And thanks to Canada for leading negotiations on this important resolution.
Since the Third Committee last adopted this annual resolution, the human rights situation in Iran has deteriorated dramatically. During the recent UN Security Council Arria meeting, we heard from Special Rapporteur Rehman and activists Nobel Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi and Nazanin Boniadi, who highlighted the Government of Iran’s egregious human rights violations and abuses. We heard how the brutally violent morality police violate Iranians’ human rights, particularly those of women and girls.
The Iranian government has responded to sustained, peaceful protests by killing hundreds of protesters, including children, and torturing and threatening detained protesters and activists with death sentences. This week, Iran’s judiciary has issued the first death sentence for a protestor.
To obscure these actions, the Iranian government has severely restricted Iranians’ access to information and freedom of communication, preemptively detained or threatened activists and human rights defenders, and targeted protestors with online harassment and abuse in an effort to silence and intimidate them.
The Iranian government continues to refuse access to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran. We urge the government to allow a country visit without delay.
The resolution we are adopting today sends a message to the Iranian people that the international community stands with them. It includes language specifically mentioning Mahsa Amini, who died at the hands of Iran’s police. It also echoes the calls of millions around the world, for independent, impartial, and transparent investigations and accountability for the Government of Iran’s continued human rights violations.
Today’s resolution is also part of continued UN action to support the brave people of Iran. Next week the UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session and vote on a resolution to establish a mechanism to promote accountability in Iran. In the coming weeks, the U.S. and other countries will take action to terminate Iran’s membership in the Commission on the Status of Women.
Today, we have a duty to condemn Iran’s brutal acts of repression and violence. We must support our words with action. We urge UN Member States to vote “yes” on this resolution condemning the human rights situation in Iran and showing our support for the courageous Iranians demanding respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Thank you.
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