Remarks by the delegation of Ukraine during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (1 November 2024)

Chair,

Ukraine extends its sincere gratitude to the Special Rapporteur for this dedicated and invaluable report.

We are deeply concerned about the continuing gross human rights violations committed in Iran, particularly the suppression of peaceful protests. We strongly condemn the spike in death penalty sentences and executions, including of women and children, as highlighted in the report.

Furthermore, we are alarmed by reports of arbitrary arrests and the frequent use of torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The increasing limitations placed upon the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, affecting journalists, human rights defenders and others, are deeply troubling.

There is a clear correlation between internal oppression and threatening international behavior, exemplified by Iran's supply of weapons to the Russian Federation for its war of aggression against Ukraine. Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed-series drones, which continue to kill innocent civilians and destroy civilian infrastructure, in violation of international humanitarian and  human rights law. Instead of contributing to aggression abroad, these resources could have been used to address the needs of the Iranian people.

We urge Iran to cease its assistance to Russia in the commission of war crimes in Ukraine. We call on Iran to comply with its obligations under international human rights instruments and to cooperate fully with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council's special procedures, granting them full and unhindered access to the country.

The Special Rapporteur’s efforts are crucial in ensuring accountability for these violations.

Ukraine remains steadfast in supporting this mandate and calls on the international community to hold Iran accountable for its actions, both domestically and internationally.

Thank you.