Based on a report by Reuters the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned Syria for widespread human rights abuses and expressed concern about such violations in Iran and North Korea, but it welcomed pledges by Iran’s president to improve in some areas.
The resolution on Iran was approved with 86 votes in favor, 36 against and 61 abstentions.
The resolutions on these countries have become an annual rite. They intensify international pressure and further isolate those states but have no legal consequences. All three countries lobby hard against adoption of the resolutions.
While the resolution on Iran expressed concern at serious ongoing abuses, it acknowledged 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, Reuters reported.
The U.N. envoy on human rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, told the committee in October that Iran’s rights record should not be overlooked amid overtures to the West by Rouhani. He criticized Tehran for executing 724 people in 18 months, including dozens after Rouhani was elected in June.
An Iranian delegate told General Assembly members before the vote that the resolution does not reflect the actual situation inside Iran and will be counterproductive.
According to a tally compiled by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Centre (IHRDC), Iran has executed 529 people this year, including more than 300 since President Hassan Rouhani assumed office in August.
Source: Reuters
Modified: Rojhelat.info