Mr Chair,

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

We are deeply concerned and saddened by the death of the many young people and protesters, including Mahsa Amini, who was abused and died in custody at the hands of the morality police. Women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of human rights is at the centre of the EU’s internal and external action. We are concerned that despite repeated calls for restraint, the response of the Iranian security and police forces to demonstrations has been disproportionate and resulted in the loss of lives. We stand in solidarity with all Iranians in their call for the rights of women and girls and the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.

Human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must be respected in all circumstances. The EU renews its call upon Iran to allow for an impartial, transparent and thorough investigation into the use of violence by the Iranian security forces in response to the recent protests, and urge the Iranian authorities to strictly abide by the principles enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party.

Secondly, the European Union expresses grave concern about the notable increase in executions in Iran. The European Union is particularly concerned about recent calls by Iranian officials for the use of the death penalty against protesters. 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 and protesters, 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.