NEW FACT-FINDING MISSION: UNITED NATIONS EXPERT TO PROBE HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN THROUGH DIASPORA IN EUROPE
26 May 2014
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GENEVA (26 May 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, will undertake his latest fact-finding mission in Sweden, Austria, and Italy, which host significant Iranian diaspora populations.

From 27 May to 6 June 2014, the independent expert will gather information about the recent experiences of victims of alleged human rights violations in Iran, and will meet with relevant experts and officials in order to asses current reports coming from Iran. 

“While I am encouraged by recent conversations, statements, and overtures by Iranian officials, I am concerned by consistent reports that the human rights situation on the ground has yet to improve, and that pledges have simply not translated into results,” Mr. Shaheed underscored.

“The mission, therefore, will provide an opportunity to accurately evaluate and analyze recent progress, or lack of it, through conversations with individuals with diverse backgrounds and opinions,” he said.

During his ten-day visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with and interview members of the Iranian diaspora and other members of Iranian civil society, including journalists, student activists, lawyers, authors, publishers, and proponents of minority, women’s, and children’s rights. He will also meet with relevant NGOs and Government officials in Sweden, Austria, and Italy. 

Mr. Shaheed’s most recent findings on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran will be brought to the attention of the Government of Iran and to the Member States of the United Nations General Assembly during its sixty-ninth session, later this year. 

The Special Rapporteur restated his commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation as a means of addressing and resolving human rights concerns in Iran. He noted that the upcoming assessment of Iran’s human rights record by other States during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) represents a potential major opportunity in this regard.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has often stressed the importance of the UPR process as a universal and impartial mechanism for the evaluation and discussion of human rights situations the world-over,” the independent expert noted.

“I truly hope that the Government will use this opportunity to genuinely reflect on its human rights record over the past four years, and, in the spirit of cooperation, to engage in frank discussion with its peers at the United Nations with a view toward prompt and quantifiable improvement,” Mr. Shaheed said.

Since his appointment in August 2011, the Special Rapporteur has issued three reports to the United Nations General Assembly and three additional reports to the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in Iran. 

Mr. Shaheed has made several official requests to the Government of Iran for a country visit since his appointment without obtaining an affirmative response. He continues to call on the Iranian authorities to cooperate with his United Nations Human Rights Council mandate with a view to addressing its human rights challenges.