Iran refuses to recognize the allegations of human rights abuses against it in a report by the UN special investigator, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. The report by Asma Jahangir will soon be submitted to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi dismissed the report as “biased and politically motivated”.
“We do not recognize the report and believe that such politically-biased and selective approaches would undermine the international regard for human rights,” Qasemi was quoted as saying by ISNA. “The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that the report by the special rapporteur and her mission has been dictated by certain countries based on selective and political motives … and considers it unacceptable.” Criticizing the report for failing to take note of the Iranian government’s measures to promote human rights, Qasemi said, “This matter undoubtedly constitutes a breach of the principle of impartiality and standards of professionalism.”
