Speech

34th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Islamic Republic of Iran

Statement by Miriam Shearman, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, during Iran's Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Miriam Shearman
• Published: 8 November 2019

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• Location: United Nations, Geneva
• Delivered on: 8 November 2019 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Mr President,

The United Kingdom appreciates Iran’s engagement with the UPR.

We remain concerned by discrimination against persons belonging to minority religious groups, particularly the Baha’i and Christians.

We remain deeply concerned by Iran’s failure to uphold international legal obligations, and its arbitrary detention of citizens and dual nationals arrested on unclear charges, denied due process and subject to mistreatment.

We recommend that Iran:

1. Immediately demonstrates that all detainees in prison are neither tortured nor subject to cruel or inhumane treatment or punishment.

2. Promptly allows an impartial trial process that weighs evidence and ensures defendants, and lawyers of their choosing, can have timely access to the charges and evidence.

3. Investigates sexual exploitation of children aged under 18, including through forced, early and temporary marriage, and develop a national plan to protect at risk children.

Thank you.

Published 8 November 2019