Iran set to become new Chair of UN Human Rights Council, “it is unimaginable”
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – In a move that has outraged rights activists, the Islamic Republic of Iran is set to become the new chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday, Ynet News reports.
Despite knowing Iran’s reputation of extreme violence and oppression against its own people, and of its designation by the US as the world’s “leading sponsor of state terrorism,” EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell defended the country’s appointment to the rotating UNHRC presidency in May as “in consistency with established UN procedures.”
Decrying Iran’s appointment, UN Watch, an NGO that monitors the United Nations, launched a social media campaign calling for officials to take action against the Iranian regime instead of elevating it to a position of influence and legitimacy.
“We are calling on Mr. Borrell to take action. It’s time for all democracies at the UN to stop legitimizing murderous regimes, in violation of the world body’s founding principles, and instead to begin holding the perpetrators to account,” UN Watch director Hillel Neuer said in a statement.
“The murderous regime in Tehran is responsible for a surge in executions, disproportionately applied to minorities, and for oppressing women and girls.
“It is unimaginable that on Thursday at the UN Human Rights Council, Ayatollah Khamenei’s representative will be holding the gavel, with UN human rights chief Volcker Turk and other dignitaries at his side,” Neur said.
“These appointments send the wrong message at the wrong time, enabling the Islamic Republic of Iran – even as it is shooting protesters in the face, raping human rights defenders in prison, and sponsoring Hamas atrocities – to strut on the international stage as a respected and influential actor.”
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