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UN Rapporteur's Rights Report One-Sided

UN Rapporteur's Rights Report One-Sided
UN Rapporteur's Rights Report One-Sided

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marzieh Afkham has criticized the recent UN human rights rapporteur's report on Iran as "one-sided" and "far from the reality."

Afkham said, "This report has been prepared in disregard of regulations and duties of human rights officials and lacks the necessary legal basis."

She made the remarks on Wednesday in her regular press briefing, IRNA reported.

"Parts of the report point to positive developments in Iran, nevertheless it is full of false claims that is very similar to those made by certain western countries, opposition websites, and notorious terrorist groups which signifies the rapporteur has used them as its reference," she said.

She also said, "Tehran had given a comprehensive and convincing response to claims made in the draft of the report; regrettably the UN special rapporteur didn't take any note of those points in his final text.

"Iran is committed to its pledges to promote civil rights in various spheres and over the past year significant steps have been taken to promote civil rights, minority (groups') rights, and women's rights, and (Iran) will continue to implement plans and endeavors in that respect."  

In his October report on the situation of human rights in Iran which was submitted to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran Ahmed Shaheed alleged widespread violations of civil and political rights, such as execution of criminals and drug dealers, have occurred in the country.    

He also criticized Iran's judicial system as being unfair and referred to instances of torture and punishment of detainees.

In response to those claims, Afkham said since the UN rapporteur did not have a clear and adequate understanding of Iran's judiciary and laws, he gave a false interpretation of judicial processes in the country.

  Tehran-Riyadh Ties

Afkham also described the state of ties between Tehran and Riyadh as "forward-moving" and said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif  is planning  to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia "which we hope to take place in due time."

Elsewhere, she lamented the slow response of the international community to developments in the Syrian town of Kobane and urged Ankara to "act responsibly" toward regional developments.

In addition, the official said Tehran is ready to take practical measures to deal with the chaotic situation in the northern Syrian city if it receives an official request from Damascus.

“Iran is about to dispatch a package of humanitarian relief aid for the residents and refugees in the region as soon as possible,” she added. 

Financialtribune.com