Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President,
New Zealand is deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran.
We are profoundly disturbed by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran. We unequivocally condemn the brutal crackdown carried out by Iran’s security forces in recent weeks, including the widespread killing, and arbitrary arrest and detention of protestors, and internet shutdowns.
We call on the government of Iran to uphold its international human rights obligations, including Iranians’ rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information.
New Zealand continues to be alarmed by the surge in executions over the last year, which include protesters and minors, and calls on Iran to establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
New Zealand supports the convening of this special session, as well as the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and Fact-Finding Mission. These are important tools to progress accountability for human rights violations in Iran.
I thank you.