Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Iran Approved by UN General Assembly Third Committee

On Thursday, November 15, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution proposed by Canada condemning human rights violations in Iran, with 85 votes in favor, 30 against, and 68 abstentions. This resolution is set to be voted on in the General Assembly next month (December). The Third Committee condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Iran. A similar resolution was proposed by Canada last year, which was ultimately approved in December with 81 votes in favor, 30 against, and 70 abstentions. Reports indicate that this resolution references the reports of Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, and Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, regarding the human rights situation in Iran. The resolution states that the reports from the UN Secretary-General and the Special Rapporteur indicate that the human rights situation in Iran has worsened over the past year, with an increase in the systematic repression of protesters, journalists, and social media users. The resolution expresses concern over the continued execution of minors who have committed crimes under the age of 18. It also highlights reports of torture of prisoners, arbitrary detentions, trials without due process, threats against human rights activists, and restrictions on freedom of expression, stating that these issues demonstrate that the Iranian government does not adhere to international norms and standards. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland welcomed the approval of this resolution, stating that its passage by various countries sends a strong message to the Iranian government that it must respect human rights. Freeland also viewed the resolution as a declaration of support from Canada and the international community for the "struggles of the Iranian people" to achieve their freedoms and rights. The Canadian Foreign Minister also called on the Iranian government to address the serious human rights concerns raised in this resolution. The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the proposed resolution was introduced with the support of 43 other countries in the Third Committee of the General Assembly. Reports indicate that during the Third Committee meeting, countries such as Russia, Syria, Belarus, Venezuela, North Korea, and Cuba spoke against this resolution. Countries like Brazil and Mexico abstained from voting on the resolution. The Canadian representative who proposed the resolution spoke at the beginning of the Third Committee meeting about the necessity of such a resolution. The Canadian representative further referred to the widespread arrests in Iran, particularly in Khuzestan. Canada also expressed hope that the approval of this proposed resolution would encourage the Iranian government to take steps to improve the human rights situation. Isaq Al Habib, Iran's ambassador and deputy representative to the UN, referred to the "inconsistency of positions and double standards" in the behavior of the main proponents of this resolution, stating: "We have proven that human rights are our priority; this is part of our national security priority. Like other countries, there may be shortcomings, and we are determined to resolve them." The Iranian deputy representative to the UN described Canada as a clear example of democracy being undermined by proponents of racism and apartheid, stating: "According to the 2018 assessment by the UN Special Rapporteur, violence against women in Canada remains a 'serious, pervasive, and systematic problem.'" Javaid Rehman presented his first report on the human rights situation in Iran to the UN in early October of this year to be reviewed in the Third Committee and the 73rd General Assembly of the organization. In this report, Javaid Rehman criticized the human rights situation in Iran and made recommendations for the Islamic Republic's authorities. Previously, Hassan Naib Hashem, a human rights activist, had stated to Radio Farda regarding the process of passing this resolution: "This resolution will be reviewed and likely approved in the General Assembly in mid-December after being approved in the Third Committee."