Iran Will Not Be Subject to Special Review by the Human Rights Commission

For the first time in nearly two decades, the United Nations Human Rights Commission has rejected a resolution condemning Iran for human rights violations. Today's vote by the highest human rights authority of the UN means that Iran will not be subject to special review and investigation at the next annual meeting of the Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission rejected the European Union's proposal to reprimand the Islamic Republic for alleged human rights abuses with a vote of 20 in favor and 19 against. Since 1984, Iran has faced annual condemnation from international circles due to executions, torture, and discrimination against minorities. The Iranian government has not allowed the special representative of the Human Rights Commission to visit Iran for six years to investigate human rights violations. The European Union's resolution referenced public executions in Iran, stoning, and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishments, including finger amputations and flogging. The proposed resolution that did not pass also highlighted the discrimination that the Iranian regime imposes on minorities and ethnic groups and the restrictions on freedom of expression.