OHCHR Presentation of the Report on Islamic Republic of Iran
Statement by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 50th Session
June 21, 2022
We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its report on Iran.
The human rights situation in Iran has worsened as the regime’s security forces responded to peaceful protests across Iran with predictable brutality and paranoia. Security forces reportedly killed at least six individuals and injured many others.
The regime works to restrict the right to freedom of expression by disrupting communications and implementing widespread Internet shutdowns across the country to prevent the world from witnessing its abuses.
Iran’s efforts to silence dissent are not limited within its borders. Activists around the globe regularly report online harassment and threats.
The regime continues to target women and minorities – Baha’is are increasingly targeted and vulnerable to harassment and abuse. As in the cases of Narges Mohammadi, Soheila Hejab, and Yasaman Aryani and Monireh Arabshahi, brave women defenders of human rights have been unjustly imprisoned for working to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.
We urge the regime to respect human rights and allow the Special Rapporteur’s team full and unfettered access.
I thank you.