Speaking in a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in the Swiss city of Geneva, Zarif took a jab at the unilateral, illegal and brutal sanctions imposed by the US against the Iranian people, and described it as a stark violation of human rights.
He also appreciated the good stances of the UN’s special rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures.
During the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, the Iranian diplomat said respecting the principles of human rights is not only an ethical commitment but also a national security requirement for Iran.
Zarif then expressed regret over the instrumental use of the concept of human rights and the abuse of the UN’s human rights mechanism as a means of exerting pressure on independent states.
He also denounced any arbitrary issuance of human rights resolutions against the Islamic Republic.
For her part, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed her satisfaction with the meeting and announced her preparedness to establish constructive and useful interaction with the Islamic Republic.
Having served as the Chilean president for two four-year terms, Bachelet was appointed as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights back in September.
