U.S. Intervention at the Adoption of the UPR Working Group Report for Iran 28th Session of the Human Rights Council
March 19, 2015
The United States welcomes the participation of the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the UPR process and appreciates the opportunity to comment on the final Working Group report from Iran’s Universal Periodic Review.
Although we welcome Iran’s release of certain human rights and civil rights activists, we still note with deep concern the large number of activists and other prisoners of conscience still imprisoned. We urge Iran to respect fair trial guarantees in accordance with its international obligations and commitments, and pursuant to the rights enshrined in Iran’s constitution.
We renew our call on Iran to end the harassment and persecution of journalists and demonstrate its commitment to freedom of expression. We call on Iran to uphold its religious freedom commitments and obligations and to release those imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Iran must protect the rights of all individuals to peacefully manifest their religious beliefs, including Sunnis, Christians, Bahais, Jews and others.
We note with disappointment that Iran has not addressed the issue of allowing the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran to visit the country and guaranteeing him access to appropriate officials, facilities, and prisoners.
Thank you.