UN
human rights expert condemns “defamatory” Iran report
Tuesday,
25 April 2017, 12:30 pm
Press
Release: UNHCHR
UN
human rights expert condemns “defamatory” Iran press report
GENEVA
(24 April 2017) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Asma Jahangir, has denounced a
report published by the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) alleging that she was
planning to undertake a visit to Saudi Arabia in order to defame the
authorities in Tehran.
The
report also suggested that Ms. Jahangir intended to carry out the mission on
behalf of military interests. But the Special Rapporteur has condemned and
vehemently denied the news item.
“I am appalled by this fabricated and
malicious news story which is clearly aimed at compromising my integrity and
independence, both of which are recognized internationally,” said Ms. Jahangir.
“Anyone
who has a substantive disagreement with a Special Rapporteur’s assessment can
always express their doubts. However, it is unacceptable for mandate holders to
be subjected to defamation campaigns when discharging their duties, which are
established by the United Nations Human Rights Council,” she stressed.
“These accusations unfortunately reinforce the
assessment I made in my first report to the UN Human Rights Council
about the climate of fear which exists in Iran, where similar methods are used
to silence those expressing dissenting opinions,” she added.
The
Special Rapporteur reiterated that campaigns of vilification would neither put
her on the defensive nor compromise her independence in reporting the
challenges faced by Iranians with regard to their rights, dignity and freedoms.
ENDS
Ms.
Asma Jahangir (Pakistan) was designated as the Special Rapporteur on the
situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Human
Rights Council in September 2016. Ms. Jahangir was elected as President of the
Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan and as Chairperson of the Human
Rights Commission of Pakistan. Over the years, she has been recognized both
nationally and internationally for her contribution to the cause of human
rights and is a recipient of major human rights awards. She has worked
extensively in the field of women’s rights, protection of religious minorities
and in eliminating bonded labour. She is a former Special Rapporteur on summary
executions, and on freedom of religion.
The
Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as
the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special
Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights
system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and
monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or
thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on
a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their
work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in
their individual capacity.
UN
Human Rights, Country Page: Iran
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