HRC46 - NB8 statement - Islamic Republic of Iran

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on

the Islamic Republic of Iran

8 March 2021

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic countries

Madame President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries.

We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur but regret that it is only able to identify few positive elements, such as progress on equal access to education. 

We note the Judiciary’s Document on Judicial Security and encourage rapid implementation.

We are deeply concerned about several issues, including:

• the Iranian authorities’ continued response to the protests in 2019, including the use of death penalty, the lack of fair trial, reports of torture and forced confessions.

• Use of capital punishment, including for child offenders.

• Discrimination against women and girls, including in civilian status laws, sexual and gender-based violence and child marriage.

• Continued discrimination and harassment of ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTIQ-persons.

• Detention of individuals who exercise their right to freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly.

• Imprisonment and harassment of human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders and labor rights defenders.

Mr. Rehman, how can international partners best support the right to due process?

Thank you