HRC55 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran - EU Statement

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HRC55 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran - EU Statement

18.03.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

55^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran

18 March 2022

EU Statement

Mr President

The European Union would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and presentation today.

The human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran remains dire. As the report before us states, the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion or belief, as well as the freedom to peaceful assembly are increasingly restricted for many Iranians, including journalists, artists, human rights defenders, workers, teachers and students. Women and girls as well as persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities are particularly affected by further restrictions of these human rights.

Moreover, we are deeply concerned by reports of continuing arbitrary arrests, the use of torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence as well as the highest rise in death sentences and executions in eight years. We also deplore the absence of accountability due tolegal proceedings that do not comply with basic standards of the rule of law.

The EU strongly opposes the use of the death penalty at all times and under all circumstances, and condemns the exponential rise in its use. We express our deep concern for those sentenced to death and facing execution.

The EU calls on Iran to comply with its obligations under the ICCPR, including its restrictions on the imposition and carrying out of the death penalty. The EU further urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to abolish capital punishment or at the very least introduce a moratorium.

We also call on the Iranian authorities to stop arbitrary detentions, including of foreign citizens and dual nationals, and release all those unjustly detained.

In the light of the above, this Council needs to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and we urge Iran to fully cooperate with him.

Thank you.