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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Foreign Office Minister welcomes UN resolution condemning the human rights situation in Iran

Published:
28 November 2012
Policy:
placeholderMinister:
Alistair Burt MP
World location:
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: "The overwhelming number of votes in support represents a clear statement by the international community that this situation is unacceptable and should be condemned."
Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt said:
“I welcome yesterday’s adoption of this resolution on the human rights situation in Iran by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. The overwhelming number of votes in support represents a clear statement by the international community that this situation is unacceptable and should be condemned.
“Iran’s human rights record remains appalling. The last twelve months have seen multiple violations by the regime of its human
rights obligations. There has been widespread use of the death penalty, further curbs on free expression, the increase in targeted harassment of minority groups and worrying reports of mistreatment in custody - in some cases leading to prisoner deaths. These abuses have been compounded by the complete lack of transparency in Iran’s judicial processes and the persistent failure of the regime to observe its own laws and constitution.
“Tragically, it is not simply those brave men and women who stand up to the regime in defence of human rights who are targeted. Mothers, teachers, Facebook users, ordinary people going about their lives, are affected on a daily basis.
“Iran’s actions fail to match its public rhetoric on human rights. It has supported the rights of protest in the Arab world whilst denying those rights to its own people. It encourages dissent elsewhere, yet refuses its own citizens the right to express criticism about Iran or debate the concerns of the international community. The UK will continue to highlight the abuses perpetrated by Iran against its citizens. We expect Iran to live up to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights it freely ratified.”

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