US Envoy To UN Slams Iran's Leadership Roles In Human Rights Bodies
US Ambassador to the UN's Human Rights Council has condemned Iranian officials in UN leadership roles on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death.
US Ambassador to the UN's Human Rights Council has condemned Iranian officials in UN leadership roles on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death.
Michèle Taylor's comments come as the Islamic Republic of Iran prepares to chair the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum in November.
Taylor stated, "As we approach the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's tragic death, let me be clear: The US reasserts that Iran, with its appalling human rights record, has no place in leadership roles in the UN human rights ecosystem. The time for accountability is now."
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman received fatal wounds after the hijab police arrested her in Tehran and died three days later in the hospital. Her death led to months of antiregime protests during which security forces killed more than 500 civilians and arrested around 22,000.
The controversy surrounding Iran's involvement in UN leadership positions has been a contentious issue. In June, the Islamic Republic secured a leadership role as one of the vice-presidents of the UN General Assembly, drawing reactions from several member states and numerous activists.
In May, Iran's UN ambassador, Ali Bahraini, was appointed to chair the UN Human Rights Council 2023 Social Forum, leading to widespread anger and indignation. The forum is scheduled to take place in Geneva on November 2 and 3.
In response to these appointments, UN Watch, an independent human rights organization, launched a petition to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to cancel the appointments. Additionally, UN Watch submitted a resolution to the UN to overturn the decision, gaining further attention and scrutiny regarding Iran's involvement in UN leadership positions.
