Statement by 
the Islamic Republic of Iran
before the Second Session of Working Group to develop Modalities of the UPR
Geneva, 12 February 2007



Mr. Facilitator,

My delegation associates itself with the statements made by Cuba on behalf of the NAM and Pakistan on behalf of the OIC.

Allow me to express my appreciation and congratulations for the commendable work you have undertaken on the UPR. The working method as well as the non – paper presented by you provide us a clear framework of new mechanism requirements and enlightening details of the different options and views as well. In our view, non –paper presented by you constitutes a good basis for our constructive discussions here, which would hopefully lead us to a tangible result.

To comply with your suggestion, I will confine my intervention to the general points of views with respect to latest non – paper. Obviously as the work of this working group proceeds, our views on different elements of non paper will be presented.

- We are all here to establish a credible, effective UPR. The development of this new mechanism is an evolving process. 

- The GA resolution 60/251 says the UPR shall be a cooperative mechanism, it further acknowledges that the UPR mechanism should review the fulfillment of each state of its human rights obligations and commitments. In this regard, we believe that the UPR should be applicable to the actions of States both within and outside of their national borders.

- The main objective of the UPR should be the elimination of the political selectivity that undermined the credibility of the former CHR.

- Due respect for cultural particularities and different regional, historical and religious background together with full involvement of country under review, in our view, are critical principles and objectives in developing of the new mechanism.

- The UPR should be conducted by the plenary of the Council so as to ensure maximum transparency. Observer states of the Council should be able to participate in interactive dialogue.

- The outcome of the UPR should have the same format for all reviewed states and to be adopted by consensus.

Finally, we believe the Council should avoid the failed experiences which undermined the CHR. In developing new mechanism, the Human rights Council should avoid politicization or other similar measures such as Item 9, which would ultimately lead to confrontation, double standard and selectivity, thus being contrary to the cooperative nature of the UPR.
                                                                                                  
                                                                                                    Thank You