The International Center for Human Rights – ICHR : (November 21, 2013- Toronto) Ardeshir ZareZadeh, Director of the International Center for Human Rights (ICHR), issued the following statement today after the successful adoption of a resolution on the human rights situation in Iran and Syria following a vote by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly:

 

“The ICHR is extremely pleased by the adoption of this important human rights resolution on Iran, which had been drafted by Canadian Government. This resolution sends a clear message to Iranian Regime to stop the massive human rights violations and resressing human rights defenders.”

The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly approved the draft resolution by a vote of 83 in favour to 36 against, with 62 abstentions.  By its terms, the General Assembly would call upon that country’s Government to eliminate any form of torture, abolish the execution of minors and eliminate all forms of discrimination and other human rights violations against women and girls.  It would further call on the Government to fulfil pledges by the new President to ensure greater space for freedom of expression and opinion.  It would also urge the Government to deepen its engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms.

By a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 13 against, with 46 abstentions, the Committee also approved a draft resolution on the human rights situation in Syria.  By its terms, the General Assembly would strongly condemn the continued widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as all violations of international humanitarian law by the Syrian authorities and Government-affiliated shabbiha militias.  It would also strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and demand that the Government implement the relevant resolutions and decisions of United Nations bodies and of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

“With this resolution, the Iranian and Syrian authorities have been called to account for their actions. ICHR will continue to work with international community on the unacceptable human rights situation in Iran and Syria. Iranian and Syrian authorities must take steps to end the egregious abuses of the most fundamental basic human rights of their people.”

 

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