16 Nov 2022
Mr Chair,
1 My delegation has abstained in the vote on the resolution on ‘The Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran’, in line with our principled position on abstaining on country-specific human rights resolutions in the Third Committee as such resolutions are inevitably highly selective and driven by political considerations. As we also explained in an earlier intervention, our voting position should not be interpreted as taking a position on the substance of the human rights issues raised in this resolution. We have always taken the position that all Member States of the UN have an obligation to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms and this remains our position.
Mr Chair,
2 In response to the distinguished representative of Australia who spoke earlier and who referred to the adoption of the resolution on the moratorium by a record number of votes last Friday, I wish to also point out to the distinguished representative of Australia and to all distinguished delegations that last Friday, this Committee also adopted the sovereignty amendment with a record number of votes, in order to reaffirm the sovereign right of all countries to determine their own legal systems, including legal penalties, in accordance with their international law obligations.
Mr Chair,
3 We do not think that it is very useful or helpful to re-open and re-litigate the issue of the moratorium under every agenda item in this Committee. We think it is important that our work in this Committee be based on mutual respect, respect for the principles of the UN Charter, and certainly, respect for international law. And if we truly want to strengthen the multilateral rules-based system, then we have to demonstrate respect for each other, listen to each other, and engage in constructive dialogue, for which my delegation is always prepared.
4 Thank you, Mr Chair.
. . . . .