U.S. Statement on U.N. Resolution on Iran and Human Rights

19 December 2008

(State Department welcomes U.N. call for Iran to end human rights violations)
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
December 19, 2008
2008/1084

STATEMENT BY SEAN MCCORMACK, SPOKESMAN
UN General Assembly Calls on Iran to Meet Human Rights Obligations

The United States welcomes UN General Assembly Resolution 63/191 adopted on December 18 calling upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to fully respect its human rights obligations, and to abolish, in particular, torture, arbitrary imprisonment, and juvenile and public executions, including stonings, carried out in disregard of due process and other safeguards.  The resolution also calls on Iran to eliminate discrimination and other human rights violations against women and girls, and religious, linguistic and ethnic minorities.

This resolution demonstrates to the Iranian regime the resolve of the international community in speaking out when the government of Iran attempts to silence its own people.  The international community will not ignore Iran’s violations of the human rights and dignity of its people and its denial of their aspirations for fundamental freedoms.