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| UN Human Rights Committe Passes Annual Resolution Condemning Iran |
| 2004-11-18 |
| From Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty For the second straight year, the UN General Assembly's human rights committee has passed a resolution raising concern over rights abuses committed by Iran. The assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution calling on Iran to carry out reforms to curb abuses ranging from suppression of media to torture and discrimination against women and minorities. The measure was approved yesterday by a vote of 69 to 55, with 51 abstentions. It is expected to be approved by the assembly next month. Canada sponsored the resolution for the second year in a row. Its UN ambassador, Allan Rock, told the committee he hopes the measure will promote change in Iran. "For those many who are denied the right to speak out, for those minorities who suffer persecution in silence, for women who face discrimination, hardships and sometimes physical harm, it is our desire to improve their lives that motivates this resolution," Rock said. The resolution noted some positive developments, such as the visits to Iran of UN rapporteurs and human rights dialogues between Iran and a number of states. But Rock said the overall situation has deteriorated since last year and that it is important to bring the weight of international opinion to bear on Iran. The resolution is not binding but carries symbolic importance. |
| Posted by:Mike Sylwester |