Iran Protests UN Probe by Summoning German and British Envoys

Iran summoned German and British envoys to protest their countries’ support for the extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission investigating human rights abuses in Iran. Iranian officials denounce foreign allegations and assert the peaceful nature of their nuclear activities while emphasizing the ongoing suppression of women’s rights and dissent as noted in recent UN reports.

On Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador and the British chargé d’affaires, initiated by Forouzandeh Vadiati, Director General of the Women and Human Rights Department. This action was a response to the countries’ efforts to extend the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate on human rights in Iran. Vadiati condemned this initiative as “irresponsible and provocative,” citing past grievances and accusing Germany of supplying chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War, while accusing Britain of intervening in Iran’s oil sector before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Vadiati asserted that these nations lack the credibility to promote human rights. She referenced remarks from the British Foreign Secretary, criticizing European nations for their failure to adhere to commitments made under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Additionally, she claimed their actions mirror the United States’ strategy of implementing “maximum pressure” and sanctions against Iran.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Vadiati maintained that it is peaceful and under “strict and unprecedented oversight” by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). She refuted allegations that she characterized as “politically motivated,” emphasizing that such claims do not influence the factual basis of Iran’s compliance.

The envoys promised to relay Iran’s concerns back to their governments. The UN Fact-Finding Mission, initiated in November 2022, aims to investigate alleged human rights violations amid protests, with a focus on the experiences of women and children. Despite operational challenges, the UN mission reported substantial findings, including over 38,000 pieces of evidence and 281 interviews.

Though Tehran contests these findings as “politically biased,” the latest UN report outlined that Iran persists in restricting women’s rights and stifling dissent. It highlighted the contradiction between the government’s oppressive measures and President Masoud Pezeshkian’s pre-election assurances to soften hijab enforcement, showcasing a trend of state oppression against gender equality and human rights.

In summary, Iran’s summoning of the German and British envoys underscores its strong opposition to their nations’ efforts to extend the UN Fact-Finding Mission mandate. The Iranian government insists on its peaceful nuclear pursuits and refutes allegations of human rights violations. The UN’s findings, however, indicate ongoing restrictions on women’s rights and persistent state oppression. This situation highlights a critical tension between Iran and Western nations regarding human rights accountability and diplomatic relations.

Original Source: shafaq.com