Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand welcomes the participation by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Universal Periodic Review.
New Zealand commends Iran for progress made in citizenship rights for children of Iranian mothers married to foreign fathers and recommends it continue to reform the penal and civil laws to ensure non-discrimination against women and girls.
New Zealand notes the decline in the number of executions in 2018, but remains very concerned that Iran continues to use the death penalty, especially for minors. New Zealand recommends that Iran cease immediately the use of the death penalty, especially for those under the age of 18 years at the time of offending.
We recommend that Iran take measures to protect religious and ethnic minorities and ensure their full and equal participation in public and private life.
New Zealand further recommends that Iran take steps to encourage freedom of expression; ensuring that human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists are not subjected to intimidation or arbitrary arrest in connection with their work.
New Zealand also recommends that Iran take measures of protection against violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
We recommend Iran accept a visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
Thank you.