According to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), those responsible for the violence in Iran against peacefully demonstrating women, men and children must be held accountable. Iran is violating its citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly, Baerbock said at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
She attended the special Iran Council meeting requested by Germany and Iceland. “Today our courage in the United Nations to raise our voices will be tested,” Baerbock told hundreds of diplomats. The people of Iran simply wanted to live with dignity and without discrimination. She called for an independent investigation into the situation in Iran by UN experts. A corresponding resolution should be voted on in the afternoon.
UN High Commissioner speaks of “tyranny”
The new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, had previously spoken of a “tyranny” in Iran. “The unnecessary and disproportionate use of force must end.” It is “a full-fledged human rights crisis”. Attempts are being made to discredit civil society activists and journalists and to “brand them as agents of enemies and foreign states,” said Türk. “It’s a convenient narrative. As we’ve seen in the story, this is the typical narrative of tyranny to distract from the root causes of the ailments.”
A representative of the Iranian government rejected all allegations. She attacked especially Germany by name. Germany is violating the human rights of the Iranians along with other states through the sanctions. The situation for women in Iran is excellent, with the same career opportunities everywhere, she said.
Human rights activists: At least 430 dead
Since the death of the young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini on September 16, there have been unprecedented demonstrations in Iran for more women’s rights and against the government. Amini was arrested by the vice squad for allegedly violating the strict dress code and died in police custody. According to the US-based organization Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 430 people have been killed since the protests broke out, including 55 security forces. Six people have been sentenced to death after taking part in protests. Thousands were arrested.
The new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, wanted to speak for the first time in his new position at the special session. The Austrian lawyer took office in October.
