Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran

UNGA77, Third Committee

26 October 2022

Delivered by H.E. Mr. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur for his latest report.

Women’s rights are human rights. We remain gravely concerned by the ongoing violent crackdown against protesters in Iran following the tragic death of Mahsa Jina Amini.

The Iranian authorities must respect the fundamental human rights of their citizens not least those that are under any form of detention.

Mr. Chair,

The right to freedom of expression and opinion and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right. 

We deplore the disproportionate and unlawful use of force against civilians exercising this very right. The persecution, harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the protests in Iran must also stop.

Iceland condemns the apparent systemic impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations in Iran. This prevailing systemic impunity is cause for setting up an additional mechanism to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations in Iran. 

Mr. Special Rapporteur, 

What can the international community do to ensure accountability for the ongoing serious human rights violations in Iran?