Iran Protests UN Human Rights Probe by Summoning German, British Envoys

Iran summoned the German and British envoys to protest their countries’ support for extending the UN Fact-Finding Mission on human rights. Vadiati accused them of moral hypocrisy, referenced historical grievances, and defended Iran’s nuclear program amid ongoing allegations of human rights abuses.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that Forouzandeh Vadiati, the Director General of the Women and Human Rights Department, summoned the German ambassador and the British chargé d’affaires. This action was taken to express Iran’s discontent with the two countries’ advocacy for the extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate regarding human rights. The Iranian government labeled the resolution as ‘irresponsible and provocative.’

Vadiati criticized Germany for allegedly supplying chemical weapons to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War and accused Britain of meddling in Iran’s oil industry before the Islamic Revolution in 1979. She asserted that neither country holds moral authority to champion human rights, emphasizing their historical interference in Iranian affairs.

In her remarks, Vadiati also referenced comments from the British Foreign Secretary, highlighting the failure of European nations to meet their commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). She described their actions as aligned with the United States’ strategy of maximum pressure and sanctions against Iran.

Addressing Iran’s nuclear program, Vadiati affirmed that it remains peaceful and is subject to ‘strict and unprecedented oversight’ by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). She refuted what she termed ‘politically motivated accusations’ that lack merit and reiterated the reality of Iran’s compliance with international regulations.

The envoys indicated that they would communicate Iran’s grievances to their governments. The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, established in November 2022, aims to investigate reported human rights violations, concentrating on the experiences of women and children amidst protests. Despite facing challenges from Iranian authorities, the mission has compiled substantial evidence and conducted numerous interviews.

Although Iran dismisses the mission’s findings as politically biased, the latest report from the UN Human Rights Council indicates ongoing restrictions on women’s rights and suppression of dissent. This contradicts President Masoud Pezeshkian’s pre-election commitment to relax hijab enforcement and underscores a continuing pattern of state oppression against gender equality and human rights.

In summary, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has taken a firm stance against German and British efforts to extend the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate. The Iranian officials condemned historical and current influences from these countries, particularly related to human rights issues. The ongoing scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record, coupled with its assurances regarding its nuclear program, reflects the complex interplay of international relations and domestic policies.

Original Source: shafaq.com