We [Canada, Australia, and New Zealand] thank the Council for today's meeting, and Professor Rehman, Dr Ebadi, and Ms Boniadi for their insightful briefings. We remain deeply concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran.
The Iranian people have been peacefully protesting for over six weeks following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, only to be faced with a violent and heavy-handed response from Iranian authorities. This unacceptable excessive use of force has resulted in a significant number of deaths and injuries.
It is of great concern that a member of the UN Commission on the Status of Women could violate the rights of women and girls with such disdain. It is not acceptable that a country which disregards these rights belongs to the preeminent global body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Member States must work together to uphold the mandate, and values, of the Commission.
We stand in solidarity with the courageous Iranian women and girls and other peaceful protestors, in their struggle for equality, empowerment, and a better future.
The international community must show support for their valiant cause. We urge Member States to vote 'Yes' on the upcoming UN Third Committee resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran.
We support calls for Iran to grant access to the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, to provide transparency and facilitate accountability on human rights concerns.
There must be accountability for the ongoing, systemic repression of women and girls, as well as of ethnic and religious minorities in Iran. Iran must meaningfully address the legitimate grievances of its population, without discrimination and without resorting to violence.
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