Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the German and British envoys to protest their countries’ support for the UN human rights probe. The Director General of the Women and Human Rights Department criticized the resolution, citing historical grievances. The meeting addressed Iran’s nuclear program and allegations of human rights abuses amidst protests, with Tehran maintaining its innocence against international scrutiny.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador and the British chargé d’affaires to express its discontent over their nations’ support for extending the mandate of the UN Fact-Finding Mission. Forouzandeh Vadiati, the Director General of the Women and Human Rights Department, criticized the resolution, labeling it “irresponsible and provocative.” She accused Germany of having supplied chemical weapons to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War and Britain of interfering within Iran’s oil sector prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
During the meeting, Vadiati conveyed that these nations lacked credibility to advocate for human rights, referencing remarks made by the British Foreign Secretary regarding European countries’ failure to uphold commitments of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). She indicated that the actions of these countries echoed the US policies of “maximum pressure” and sanctions against Iran.
On the subject of Iran’s nuclear program, Vadiati emphasized that it remains peaceful and subject to “strict and unprecedented oversight” from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). She rejected what she deemed “politically motivated accusations,” asserting that such claims do not alter reality. The envoys assured that they would relay Iran’s grievances back to their respective governments.
The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran was created in November 2022 to scrutinize alleged human rights violations amid protests, particularly concerning women and children. Despite difficulties in obtaining cooperation from Iranian officials, the mission has gathered over 38,000 pieces of evidence and conducted 281 interviews. Iran has dismissed the findings as “politically biased,” yet a recent report to the Human Rights Council indicated ongoing restrictions on women’s rights in Iran, contradicting President Masoud Pezeshkian’s promises to relax hijab enforcement and emphasizing a lingering pattern of state oppression against gender equality and human rights.
In summary, Iran’s recent summons of the German and British envoys underscores Tehran’s strong opposition to external criticisms regarding its human rights record and nuclear program. The Iranian government maintains that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and, despite the international scrutiny, criticizes the Western nations for hypocrisy in their human rights advocacy. The ongoing discussions reflect a complex interplay of international relations, human rights issues, and geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
Original Source: shafaq.com
