Item 4: Resolution Entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” A/HRC/28/L.17
General Comment by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council 28th Session
Geneva, March 27, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States will again co-sponsor this important resolution on the “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and urges all members to support it.
As the Special Rapporteur’s recent report indicates, there has been no significant improvement in Iran’s overall human rights situation during the past year. As a result, the Council should continue its strong support for this resolution to demonstrate its resolve on protecting human rights in Iran.
Iran continues to impose and carry out executions contrary to international required protections and fair trial guarantees, including for offenses that do not qualify as the “most serious crimes” such as drug trafficking and reportedly in reliance on forced confessions obtained through torture. Many individuals have been executed in public. Also contrary to its own laws and constitution, Iran continues to imprison human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, and reformist political figures. Likewise, the plight of members of Iran’s minority communities remains poor. Members of religious and ethnic minorities face legal and institutional discrimination throughout the country. In addition, Iran also continues to deny the Special Rapporteur access to visit the country.
The Human Rights Council must continue to stand up for the human rights of the people of Iran. Supporting this year’s resolution, which calls for the renewal of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, will send a strong signal in this regard. We hope it will also encourage the Iranian government to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and the international community to honor the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people.