Iran rejects UN human rights resolution as politically-motivated

Iran has dismissed as “politically-motivated” a UN resolution critical of the country’s human rights record, saying Tehran attaches no value to any resolution adopted based on ulterior political motives.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari made the remarks Friday a day after the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly passed a Canada-drafted resolution critical of the human rights situation in Iran.

The resolution, which was approved with 76 votes in favor, 35 against and 68 abstentions, accuses Iran of human rights violations. However, support for the measure has declined compared to a similar resolution last year.

“Iran, based on its principled policy, opposes any instrumental and political use of human rights against independent countries,” he said.

He added that Iran regrets that the UN human rights mechanisms have once again turned into a tool to help advance “selective policies” of certain countries.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, like many other countries in the world, regards pursuing the approach of dialogue and constructive interaction as the best way to truly promote and support human rights,” Ansari said.

Iran also believes that the best mechanism for studying human rights situation in all countries is through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council which is based on the principles of equality, respect, universality, dialogue and constructive cooperation among all countries without any discrimination, the spokesperson added.

He emphasized that in accordance with Islamic teachings and the country’s Constitution, Iran regards efforts to promote human rights as one of its most important duties vis-à-vis its citizens.