Iran Dominates Third Committee Discussions on Human Rights

10/27/2017 10:39:16 AM

int

Justice for the victims of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran

October 26, 2017 - ASMA JAHANGIR, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, said the report she was presenting was her first since assuming the mandate and covered the first six months of 2017.  She expressed concern over the rate of executions, with at least four juvenile offenders executed since the beginning of the year, and 86 more known to be on death row.  Reports of torture were also deeply concerning, as were those of harassment, intimidation and prosecution of human rights defenders.
She continued to receive reports of violations against the freedom of expression, with numerous journalists describing harassment and intimidation by State agents.  There was an emerging pattern of arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals, she said, noting that her report detailed individual cases.  She noted that “vehement” reactions to social media campaigns protesting mandatory dress codes, among other factors, indicated that much work remained to realize those commitments.  She also voiced concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, as she had received reports of their arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and prosecution.  Her report contained recommendations to reform the judicial system, and she suggested that killings committed in 1998 be addressed.  Her mandate’s ongoing dialogue with Iran required an enabling political environment, at both national and global levels.
The representative of the United States expressed concern over Iran’s denial of a country visit to the Special Rapporteur, condemning Iran for imprisoning peaceful activists and unjustly detaining foreign nationals.
The representative of Saudi Arabia said Iran was suffering from inadequate policies and supporting terrorist practices around the world.  Iran also was denying massacres from 1987 and called on the international community to investigate those incidents. “All problems” in the Middle East stemmed from Iran.
The representative of Papua New Guinea, referring to sources used by the Special Rapporteur in her report, asked about their credibility and the criteria used in selecting them.  He also asked about the reasons for Iran’s lack of response to the Special Rapporteur’s communications and about other approaches being used to engage with Iran.
The representative of the United Kingdom supported calls to freeze use of the death penalty in Iran and expressed concern over the treatment of religious minorities in that country.  She asked what efforts were being taken to implement Iran’s Charter on Citizens’ Rights.
The representative of Ireland, associating himself with the European Union , expressed concern over the alarming rate of executions in Iran and called for a moratorium on the practice.  He also expressed concern over lack of progress in the promotion of women’s rights.
The representative of Norway expressed concern over executions in Iran, particularly those of juveniles, and asked if there were signs of changes regarding the practice.
The representative of Germany, associating himself with the European Union, acknowledged Iran’s efforts to host refugees, but expressed concern over executions and urged the lifting of all death sentences issued to minors.  He asked what engagement the Special Rapporteur was pursuing with Iran.

The representative of Canada, expressing concern over the execution of minors and mistreatment of minority groups, expressed hope Iran would engage with the international community.
The representative of Switzerland, noting violations to human rights in Iran, including corporal punishment, asked how the criminal code concerning minors was being amended.
The representative of the European Union referred to the alarming rate of executions in Iran, requesting information on drug legislation that would not use the death penalty.
Ms. JAHANGIR, responding, said meetings and dialogues with representatives of Iran had paved the way for a mutual understanding of the situation.  She expressed concern about the flaunting of the rule of law, saying Iran should invite her to visit.  In the critical areas of due process and the lack of judicial independence, even a visit by a thematic Special Rapporteur would be able to bring out the concerns she felt.  She had received information from Iranians living inside and outside the country, which was then checked, and if it could not be verified, it was omitted from the report, she said.
Women’s rights were a concern because the Charter for Citizens’ Rights said certain rights ought to be respected, she said.  Thus, the laws and policies discriminating against women must be struck down.  The Charter was comprehensive, and if enforced, could alleviate the miseries people felt from violations of their rights.  As far as the juvenile death penalty was concerned, she cited a case involving two juveniles, due to be executed, and the Government’s positive role in helping the aggrieved families find forgiveness.  She expressed concern about violations of the freedom of expression and acts of intimidation.