Human Rights Council - 25th Regular Session
Item 4
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Iran
Australian statement
17 March 2014
Australia welcomes the report of the Secretary General on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran submitted to the Human Rights Council. We also welcome the opportunity to participate in this dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran.
Despite some positive signals from the Iranian Government, Australia remains deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Iran. Australia urges Iran to impose a moratorium on the death penalty, noting with particular concern the reported increase in executions since mid-2013, and the continued execution of minors.
Australia is also deeply concerned about the ongoing intimidation and arbitrary arrest of human rights defenders, political activists, journalists and lawyers, ongoing curbs on the media and internet, and the ongoing mistreatment of ethnic and religious minorities, including Ahwazi Arabs, Baha’is, Baloch, Christians and Kurds. Women remain subject to entrenched discrimination, in law and practice.
Australia welcomes the release of several political prisoners last September, but calls on Iran to release all prisoners of conscience. We urge Iran to respect the human rights of all detainees, noting continued reports of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment such as amputation of limbs and flogging, and to ensure all trials are conducted fairly.
Australia again encourages Iran to ratify the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to engage more closely with UN human rights mechanisms.