US avoids criticizing Iran’s HR record for first time after 15 years
The United States for the first time after a decade and half refused to criticize the human rights record of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
At the 48th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva this year, the US refrained from taking to task Iran’s human rights record after 15 years.
Based on records, the United States has filed recommendations on the Islamic Republic over Human Rights issues since 2010.
However, Iran faced criticism this year from other member states including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland and Paraguay.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs vehemently condemned double standards and unfair human rights mechanisms in the world.
Kazem Gharibabadi, who headed the Iranian delegation to the 48th session of the Working Group on the UPR, made the remarks at a meeting which was held at Iran’s initiative.
Gharibabadi expressed Iran’s grave concern and strong criticism of double standards, selective approaches and political and instrumental exploitation of human rights across the world.
The UPR is an essential mechanism of the council aimed at improving the human rights situation for member states. Iran is one of 14 states reviewed by the UPR working group.