EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: Before the vote on human rights in Iran

Mr Chair, 

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^* and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

This annual resolution focuses on the developments and on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran in the past year. This year’s text contains strong language condemning the record increase in executions, the dire conditions of detention, the deteriorating situation of Afghan refugees, as well as the longstanding impunity regarding human rights violations.  

The European Union is deeply concerned about the alarming rate of executions in Iran, which reached a new high this year. The EU unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty, in all cases and under all circumstances, and we continue to urge Iran to cease all executions and pursue a consistent policy towards its abolition. The death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment that violates the inalienable right to life enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and makes miscarriages of justice irreversible. The use of the death penalty as a tool of political repression and silencing against dissidents, opponents and participants in protests is unacceptable.

The EU is also deeply concerned about the unacceptable systemic and continuous discrimination against women and girls in Iran, as well as by the reprisals, arrests and continued persecution of dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists as well as individuals belonging to ethnic and religious minorities. The EU urges Iranian authorities to respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

The EU also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained in Iran, including EU citizens, and urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease the widespread and systematic use of arbitrary arrests and detention, including the frequent use of this practice to target dual and foreign nationals. 

Finally, the EU reiterates its full support to the UN Special Rapporteur and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission to investigate the alleged human rights violations in Iran as accountability remains of utmost importance. Moreover, the EU reiterates its calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the UN mandate holders and all special procedures.

For these reasons, the European Union and its Member States will support this resolution and call on others to do the same. 

I thank you.