UK Statement for the Special Session to address the deteriorating
Human Rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered
by the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Eleanor Sanders.
"Mr President,
We thank the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur for
their powerful statements today.
The Iranian authorities' horrific response has claimed thousands
of lives. Many more protesters – exercising their rights to
freedom of expression and assembly – remain detained…their fates
unclear. Iran's abhorrent use of the death penalty continues
- on average, around six people are executed every day in
Iran.
We do not know the full scale of the violence and killing. The
internet blackout imposed on 8 January
prevented crucial communications and the full documentation
of violations. Restrictions remain in place today.
We should be clear – the scale of this horrendous killing is
shocking, but the authorities' response is not. We all
remember previous devastating crackdowns, including in 2009, 2019
and 2022. It is time to end these cycles of repression.
It takes true bravery to speak out in the face of an authority
prepared to fire at its own people. This is especially true
of women, and those from religious and ethnic minorities, who
continue to face severe repression in their daily lives.
The Iranian authorities must be held accountable. This is why the
Fact-Finding Mission must be renewed today. We stand firmly with
the Iranian people in their pursuit of justice.
Thank you."
