UN General Assembly Criticizes Human Rights Situation in Iran

The United Nations General Assembly has expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran through a resolution that received positive votes from 81 countries. At the same time, the resolution welcomed Hassan Rouhani's efforts to reduce inequalities and increase freedom of expression and belief. North Korea was another country condemned for human rights violations by 119 countries. The resolution, drafted by Canada, deeply expressed 'concern' over the rising executions in Iran. Canada criticized the repression and pressure on activists and journalists, while also welcoming Hassan Rouhani's efforts to reduce 'discrimination against women and minorities and to increase space for freedom of expression and belief.' Reports indicate that during the UN General Assembly session on December 17, 81 countries voted in favor of the resolution, 37 countries opposed it, and 67 countries abstained. AFP reported that the number of executions in Iran this year is '800 cases.' Sharp criticisms of Iran regarding executions, which ranks second in the world after China, are not new. However, these global protests have had little impact on the actions of Iranian judicial authorities, and non-governmental organizations say that the death penalty has 'significantly' increased. Reports indicate that three people are executed daily in Iran, with many death sentences related to issues such as drug trafficking or sales. International organizations state that their investigations show that issuing death sentences does not affect the challenges and problems arising from drug use. In Iran itself, proposals have been made to replace the death penalty with other punishments for drug traffickers. The UN Human Rights Committee expressed its 'deep concern' over human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran on November 19, when 76 countries voted in favor of the resolution. Among the countries that opposed the resolution on human rights violations in Iran are Russia, China, and Syria, while Iraq, India, Indonesia, and Lebanon are also present. This resolution is not binding but is considered an important document in political affairs and international judgment regarding criticized countries. Another country condemned alongside Iran for human rights violations is North Korea, where a total of 119 countries have expressed concern about the human rights situation in this closed country in East Asia; the number of negative votes has increased compared to last year. The resolution also called on Pyongyang to stop the operation of labor camps where it is believed that hundreds of thousands of prisoners are kept in 'horrific conditions.' Iran voted against the resolution on human rights violations in North Korea. China, Syria, Cuba, and Sudan were other countries that opposed it.