HRC, 28th session, 2 to 27 March 2015, Geneva
The UK delivers a statement on the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Iran, Geneva, 19 March 2015.
The HRC takes place in Room XX of the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. Credit: UN Photo.
Thank you Mr President,
The UK recognises the willingness of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to engage in the Universal Periodic Review.
The UK is concerned that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has rejected one of the recommendations made by the UK Government and has said it can only partially support the other.
We recommend implementation of the full range of recommendations made.
The UK remains concerned by the sharp increase in executions in Iran over the past year, including the use of the death penalty for those who were juveniles at the time of the crime, and for crimes that do not meet the most serious crime standards under international law. We note with concern continued discrimination against minority religious groups, particularly the Baha’is and Christians, and reports of ongoing harassment, interrogation and detention of journalists and human rights defenders.
We remain concerned that defendants are not always afforded legal counsel during all phases of pre-trial detention. We remain concerned by prison conditions and the treatment of detainees in Iran, including reports of prolonged periods of solitary confinement, forced confessions, and physical abuse. We recommend that the Government of Iran invite the UN Special Rapporteur for the human rights situation in Iran to visit the country and to engage in full dialogue with him.
Thank you, Mr President.