EU Explanation of Vote: UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: After 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 Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

This annual resolution focuses on the developments and human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran in the past year. This year’s text contains strong language on the rights of women, the right to freedom of expression and safety for journalists, human rights defenders and others, as well as their families, the condemnation of the use of the death penalty, and longstanding impunity of human rights offences committed by the Government of Iran. We believe that the text sends an important message that the General Assembly remains engaged and committed to address the situation in Iran.

We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation for women and girls: the intensified, targeted repression, discrimination and the steps undertaken to further impose restrictive and punitive laws and policies on women and girls, and the lack of accountability and justice measures for human rights violations perpetrated against women and girls.

Accountability remains of utmost importance, for victims of human rights violations and their families. We reiterate our full support to the UN Special Rapporteur and the Independent International Fact Finding Mission mandates to investigate the alleged human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The EU insists that the Iranian authorities must fully cooperate with all investigation and accountability mechanisms, and with the UN and all special procedures.

Finally, the European Union expresses grave concern about the alarming increase in executions in Iran, including European citizens. The European Union strongly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances, and we continue to urge the Iranian authorities to cease all executions, including those of juvenile offenders, dissidents, protesters and for drug-related crimes, and to pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment, which is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.

For these reasons, the European Union and its Member States have supported this resolution.

I thank you.