Canada welcomes the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran
News Release
November 15, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the adoption, by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, of the Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; 85 member states voted in favour of the resolution.
Presented by Canada and 41 co-sponsors at the UN General Assembly, the Iran resolution reiterates the international community’s concerns about Iran’s poor human rights record and seeks to support its improvement. Canada collaborated with a cross-regional group of countries to ensure strong support of the resolution.
The human rights situation in Iran remains serious. Persistent and widespread violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms continue to occur, with a high number of executions (including of minors) and restrictions on the rights of women and minorities (including faith communities) and on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as well as disregard for the rule of law and due process.
Through the adoption of this resolution, the international community calls on Iran to take concrete actions, both in law and in practice, to fully respect its human rights obligations.
Quotes
“The adoption of this resolution by 85 member states shows that Canada and the international community remain deeply concerned with the lack of respect of human rights for all people in Iran. Canada calls on the Government of Iran to implement its human rights obligations. Our bilateral re-engagement with Iran allows us to address issues of concern for Canada, which include human rights.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Associated links
- Report of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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