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Human Rights Council : Twentieth Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, Geneva, 27 October to 7 November 2014

UK Statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Iran, 31 October 2014.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
UN Office, Geneva

The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva

Thank you,

The UK has two recommendations:

  1. That Iran issues an immediate moratorium on the use of death penalty for juveniles and for crimes that do not meet the most serious crimes standards under international law.

  2. That Iran allows all prisoners access to legal counsel during all phases of pre-trial detention and the investigative stages of cases, and allows for legal counsel to advise the accused during these proceedings.

The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and is deeply concerned by the sharp increase in executions in Iran over the past year. We note with concern continued widespread discrimination against minority religious groups, particularly the Baha’is and Christians, and the reported harassment, interrogation and detention of journalists and human rights defenders. 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.

Thank you Madame Vice-President

Published 31 October 2014