Joint Nordic-Baltic statement on the situation of human rights in Iran

Human Rights Council

49th session

Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update by
the Special Rapporteur on Islamic Republic of Iran

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)

17 March 2022

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his update.

We remain deeply concerned about the persistent human rights violations and abuses in Iran, and the absence of a system of accountability. Iran must undertake fundamental reforms to establish appropriate legal and political structures of governance, and ensure independence of the judiciary.

The continuous use of death penalty, including the execution of child offenders remains an issue of deep concern. We urge Iran to abolish the death penalty for all offences and impose an immediate moratorium on executions. Moreover, the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline, peaceful assembly and association must be protected.

We regret the fact that discriminatory laws and practices against women and girls persist in Iran, including child marriage. We share the Special Rapporteur’s grave concerns about the new family law and its consequences on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Finally, we urge Iran to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, including by granting full and unhindered access to the country.

I thank you.