UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran
Statement for the Joint Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.
Special Rapporteur,
Your report and presentation this morning are clear: the human rights situation in Iran remains appalling.
Iran has bolstered its surveillance practices to target women and girls. The temporary suspension of the hijab and chastity bill is simply not enough. Iran must repeal mandatory veiling laws and permanently cease plans for mandatory citizen surveillance.
Religious minorities continue to face systemic targeting and repression. The past year has seen an escalation in the arrest and detention of Baha’i women as authorities seek to suppress their religious identity and autonomy as women.
Executions have reached a critical level – over 900 people put to death last year – with an increasing number of them women. Many of those were put to death following unfair trials and for offences that simply do not meet the most serious crimes threshold. Only 10 per cent of these executions were publicly announced.
Mr President,
It has been more than 2 years since the Iranian people took to the streets to call for Woman Life Freedom. More than 2 years since the brutal crackdown on these nationwide protests. More than 2 years and accountability, sadly, remains a distant hope. The Fact Finding Mission has clearly stated – investigations must continue. This Council must not let impunity prevail. The Iranian people deserve justice.