Statement in Spanish by UN Watch
Secretary General’s Report on Human Rights in Iran – Item 2
UNHRC 31st Session, 23 March 2016
Delivered by Bertha Merikanskas
Below is the text of the statement translated into English
Thank you, Mr. President.
UN Watch strongly condemns the gross violations of human rights that occur as part of everyday life in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Secretary-General’s report documents some of the following, shocking abuses:
- The number of executions in 2015, including of women and children, could be as high as over 1,000
- Photos of public executions demonstrate that children are often present at these events.
- Corporal punishment, including amputation, flogging and forced blinding, was inflicted on individuals in detention.
- Women and girls continued to face discrimination in the areas of marriage, employment, political participation and were subjected to degrading and humiliating practices such as virginity and pregnancy tests.
At this session of the Human Rights Council the government of Iran distributed books assuring the Council that it is adhering to UPR recommendations – but that could not be further from the truth.
The government of Iran claims to have accepted the recommendation to take measures to ensure the non-occurrence of torture or other cruel, inhumane punishment. We have been reminded by Special Rapporteur Shaheed and several others at the UN that Iran “executes more individuals per capita than any other country in the world.” Those who are “spared” the death penalty are often sentenced to 10, 100 and up to 1000 lashes across the back.
The government has also accepted the recommendation to enhance efforts to further support the rights of the vulnerable, including women and children. Yet women found guilty of adultery are sentenced to death by stoning under Article 225 of the new Islamic Penal Code.
Mr. President,
This is not a matter of national sovereignty, as we continually hear at the Council. This is a matter of respect for basic rights and acknowledgement of human worth.
Thank you, Mr. President.
