Iran dismisses UN draft resolution on human rights

Tehran’s Ambassador to the UN, Mohammad Khazaee, has dismissed a draft resolution on human rights situation Iran which was adopted by a UN General Assembly committee.
Khazaee said that the draft UN resolution “does not acknowledge the positive human rights developments in the Iranian society.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken a long-term approach and genuine measures to safeguard all human rights of its people,” he said, according to Reuters.

The draft resolution on Iran was approved with 83 votes in favor, 36 against, and 62 abstentions.

The draft resolution was approved by the 193-nation assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, and will be put to a formal vote next month in the General Assembly.

While the draft resolution on Iran expressed concern at human rights situation in the country, it also welcomed pledges by Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani on human rights issues such as eliminating discrimination against women and members of ethnic minorities and promoting freedom of expression and opinion.

It also praised Rouhani’s plan to implement a civil rights charter and encouraged Iran “to take concrete action to ensure these pledges can result in demonstrable improvements as soon as possible and to uphold the government’s obligations under its domestic laws and under international human rights law.”