35th Special session of the Human Rights Council

Intervention by Ukraine

(Geneva, 24 November 2022)

Speaking time: 2 min 30 sec

Mr President,

We thank the High commissioner and Special Rapporteur for their evidence-based accounts if the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is a grave concern.

We are alarmed by the high level of violence against civilians, particularly women, children, and youth demanding the end of systemic discriminatory laws, policies and practices across the country. Reports on the death of over 300 protesters including children caused by state-sponsored violence are shocking. Ukraine strongly condemns acts of violence deployed against the demonstrators by the security forces and calls for establishing accountability for the perpetrators.

Fate of detained protestors remains of serious concern. Mass indictments on charges of death sentences for participation, or alleged participation, in peaceful demonstrations are egregious. Ukraine is particularly concerned about the women’s rights defenders jailed for their actions to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means. We urge Iranian authorities to immediately release from detention all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty.

As a symptom of its authoritative nature, the Iranian regime not only resolves to increasing oppression internally, it also engages in a threatening international rule-based order by providing weapons to wage Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The weapons that have been killing Ukrainian civilians mercilessly and destroying our civilian infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Any state that employs such practices at home and abroad has to be scrutinized by this Council. Therefore, Ukraine supported the convening of the Special Session and was among early co-sponsors of the resolution establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate ongoing violations.

We stand with people of Iran as they are fighting for their right to live in dignity and freedom.     

I thank you