UN Resolution on Iran a Disservice to Human Rights

A high-ranking diplomat rejected the anti-Iran UN rights resolution presented by Canada as "politically motivated", slamming the subjective and selective stance of Ottawa and other "self-proclaimed champions of human rights".

Iran's Deputy Ambassador to UN Es'haq Al-e Habib said the "biased" resolution is a "disservice to the human rights' cause", as it ignores Iran's "genuine" commitment to promote rights, which is deeply rooted in the country's culture and history.

Al-e Habib said the Iranian government derives its legitimacy from the vote of its people, and Tehran views protection of human rights as indispensable for ensuring the country's national security and prosperity.

The resolution, expressing concern over human rights violations in Iran, was approved in the UN General Assembly's Third Committee by a vote of 83 to 30 with 68 abstentions on Tuesday.

The resolution voiced "serious concerns" over many areas of human rights in the country, while noting progress in some fields.

Notably, the resolution expressed "serious concerns" at the "alarmingly high frequency" of executions in Iran.

Most criminals sentenced to death in Iran are drug traffickers, as Tehran has strict laws regarding those who smuggle narcotics.

The resolution called upon Iran to deepen its engagement with special UN human rights mechanisms and approve requests for access to the country by special rapporteurs.

Addressing the Third Committee's meeting on Tuesday, Al-e Habib said the resolution ignored Iran's extensive cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms and numerous calls by Tehran for respectful dialogue on rights.

Iran has refused to allow the special rapporteurs to visit the country, arguing that the use of country-specific mechanisms to address human rights issues is unacceptable.

Besides, Iran says the situation of human rights in Iran by no means is a special situation to warrant a special mandate.

Tehran says the appointment of a UN special rapporteur on Iran has been heavily influenced by western governments in the UN and is part of their pressure campaign against Iran.

  Shortsighted Interests

The Iranian envoy told the UN meeting that the resolution is another attempt by certain countries to abuse the noble cause of human rights to advance their shortsighted political interests.

"Similar to any other country, deficiencies may exist and we are determined to address them. However, it is not for those who traditionally, historically and practically supported colonialism, slavery, racism and apartheid to lecture Iranians on human rights," he said.

The Iranian envoy said for countries like Canada and the United States, whose policies have led to the death of millions of people, respect for human rights is an "ideological mystification" and part of the "system of domination".

Al-e Habib said double standards are an integral part of Canada's foreign policy, evident from its fanatic support for the last apartheid regime of the world, Israel.

"Ottawa, along with a few others in the whole world, has consistently and unconditionally supported Israel despite all the gross, abhorrent and systematic violations of human rights committed by that regime. This level of hypocrisy and double standard is mindboggling," he said.

The Canadian Foreign Ministry welcomed the adoption of the resolution criticizing "grave human rights concerns" in Iran, saying the world has once again voiced its "strong support for the people of Iran".

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry said it had collaborated with a group of countries to ensure strong support for the resolution.

Canada has led an annual UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in Iran since 2003.