Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi has sent an open letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet calling for the postponement of the visit of UN officials to Iran until Iran agrees to allow Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, to enter as well. The Nobel peace laureate feels that in order to present a complete view of the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, the human rights rapporteur must be included in the visit.
Read her letter below.
April 22, 2022
Dear Ms. Bachelet:
Although the human rights situation is worsening in Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran government has been prohibiting the entering of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights into Iran. However, under such conditions, the “Special Rapporteur on the Effects of Unilateral Sanctions” has agreed to visit Iran.
Indeed, the decision is based on the request of the Islamic Republic in order to portray that the expansion of poverty is a result of sanctions despite the systematic administrative corruption in Iran, massive embezzlements, and the wrong policies of the governments during the last forty years.
In light of the above, I respectfully ask that all legal paths be taken to coordinate the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the Effects of Unilateral Sanctions with the visit of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights so that they can both travel together and prepare a complete perspective on the circumstances inside the country for the international authorities.
Shirin Ebadi
2003 Nobel Peace Laureate, Chair of the Center for the Defense of Human Rights
CC:
Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
Mr. Javid Rahman, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights
Learn more
Nobel Laureate Urges UN To Pressure Iran To Let In Rights Rapporteur, Iran International, 22 April, 2022.