Third Committee, 34th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

The 34th meeting of the Third Committee at the 80th session of the General Assembly is called to order. I now invite the committee to continue its consideration on agenda item 71, entitled Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and its sub-items A to D. I wish to remind delegations that the deadline for submission of draft proposals under this item is 1 p.m. on Tuesday, 4 November. I now welcome the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, who is joining us virtually. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker are invited at this time to press the microphone button within the next three minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. I thank you for your cooperation. We will now hear an introductory statement by the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic via pre-recorded video. We can play the video. Thank you.

Few of us foresaw the events of December 2024, nor this extraordinary wave of optimism that followed the fall of the former government. Over a million Syrian refugees have returned to their country. Following decades of repression, Syrians now have an opportunity to rebuild their country based on respect for the dignity and human rights for all citizens. For the first time since the establishment of our mandate, since December, we have access to Syria. We have emphasized the unique opportunity that Syrians have to transform the truth, justice and accountability landscape in the country. We have already seen progress with the establishment of the new Transitional Justice Authority and National Authority on Missing Persons. The interim authorities have also granted unfettered access for our investigators to different parts of the country. In June, we conducted on-site visits to Latakia and Tartus, and more recently to Sweida and surrounding areas. Despite the positive steps taken by the government towards state-building, repeated disturbing bouts of violence have tempered optimism about the interim authorities ability to put an end to Syria's entrenched cycles of violence. In March, an estimated 1,400 men, women, and children were killed in massacres in Latakia, Tartus, and Hama governorates, including by members of the interim government security forces. Armed individuals filmed themselves committing human rights violations, including executions, or while walking alongside dead and burning bodies scattered on the street. Prior to being executed, victims were subjected to dehumanizing verbal abuse referencing the Alawite. Tens of thousands of people fled to Lebanon, raising concerns of further protracted displacement. Alarmingly, we continue to receive reports of extrajudicial killings, torture and ill treatment, and forced displacement of Alawite civilians in Damascus and Hama governorates. The Commission team has now had the opportunity to visit Soledad city and rural parts of Soledad affected by the July violence and met victims, survivors and witnesses. We are grateful to all the individuals who have shared their experience, most of which were traumatic and nearly indescribable. Deep scars remain across the city of Soledad and its countryside. We have deployed teams witnessing firsthand the level of devastation in dozens of villages in majority Druze areas in West and Soada. The death and destruction is immense across these areas, with more than 30 villages almost entirely depopulated, looted, and burned. Many bodies of those killed remain unaccounted for, and large numbers, reportedly in the hundreds, are among the missing. The Commission investigators met with many families and witnesses who recounted the brutal killings of family members taken from their homes. The humanitarian needs for displaced communities, Druze and Bedouin alike, require urgent actions as winter approaches. The scars of the July events were not only physical, but caused greater mistrust between communities and the interim Government, which will require efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and engage in the reforms necessary to ensure such acts are never repeated. Following the March Koso events and the reported increase in hate speech, the Commission is gravely concerned that the stage is set for further violence if swift action is not taken. The way forward starts with transparent accountability for these events, those in March, and for the many lesser known violations and abuse that have occurred since the establishment of the interim government. Violence and discrimination against women is a growing concern. We have received multiple reports of women and girls being abducted by unknown armed actors. Some were reportedly subjected to sexual violence and forced marriage. In many cases, despite reporting their disappearance to the local authorities, families report that no action was taken to investigate or follow up on these cases. Last December, Israel advanced into southern Syria. Civilians have been forcibly displaced, and arbitrarily detained, and Israeli air strikes, including in Damascus, continued with reports of civilian casualties. The Commission calls on Member States to take urgent action to prevent such actions by Israel. Third state intervention risks further inflaming the conflict and inflicting even greater suffering on the Syrian people. Tensions in northeast Syria remain, with clashes reported in Aleppo city and near the Tishreen Dam in early October. We call on the interim authorities to take urgent actions to prevent escalation. Recent steps taken by Member States and the EU to ease sanctions on Syria are welcome, improving daily life for Syrians. But Member States can and should do more, continuing to fund the 2025 Humanitarian Appeal, which is disappointingly just 18% funded. The future of Syria is in the balance, and the country urgently needs assistance that goes well beyond the Humanitarian Appeal. Are you ready to step forward and help? A safe rights respecting Syria reflecting diverse country's religions and ethnic communities requires inclusive state institutions based on the rule of law. We call on the interim authorities to urgently address the underlying causes of the recent violence, preventing violations and build trust between the state and impacted communities, holding those responsible to account. Concrete recommendations in this regard are in our recent report, which the Foreign Minister encouragedly indicated would serve as a roadmap. Actions taken now will set the foundation for decades to come. Thank you very much.

I thank the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. I will now open the floor for questions or comments to Mr. Pinheiro. As per past practice, I will ask the delegation to limit their comments to two minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, to be followed by Israel and Liechtenstein.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Brazil welcomes the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and expresses its appreciation for the Commission's latest report, which captures a decisive period in Syria's history. We commend the Commission for its unwavering dedication over the past decade in investigating and shedding light on the conflict in Syria. We also extend our greetings to the representatives of the Syrian Interim Government. We stress the importance of the Interim Authorities continuing their engagement with the Commission and redoubling efforts to ensure accountability and justice for all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. All those responsible for past and current violations and atrocities must be held accountable. We welcome the political developments and improved security that have allowed for the voluntary return of more than 1 million refugees since December 2024, as well as nearly 1.9 million internally displaced persons who have returned to their places of origin, according to UNHCR. Brazil urges the interim authorities to ensure the protection of all minorities, as well as the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced populations. At the same time, we recall that Syria remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with developments on the ground continuing to deepen people's needs. In this sense, we particularly welcome the lifting of unilateral sanctions against Syria, which should have a positive impact on the country's economy and facilitate urgent reconstruction efforts. Brazil reiterates its position in favor of a peaceful and inclusive political transition with respect for Syria's independence, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Israel thanks for today's presentation and emphasizes its support for the essential promotion and protection of human rights in Syria. The current situation presents opportunities to improve stability and development in the region. Ensuring the advancement of human rights in Syria is of global importance, particularly after years of devastating conflict. Minority communities have suffered heavily during the war, and all efforts to uphold human rights in Syria must take into account the special considerations of all its diverse communities.

The recent violence in.

Sweida underscores the urgent need to safeguard minority rights as part of the broader process of rebuilding the country. In response to the security threat mentioned in the report, and the danger posed by it to Israel, We have taken limited and temporary measures to counter any further threat to our citizens. Israel remains committed and is working with the international community to promote stability, protect civilians, and support efforts for a peaceful and secure regional future.

Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein, followed by European Union and Republic of Korea.

Thank you. We'd also like to thank the Chair of the Commission for the presentation of its report. Liechtenstein is concerned by the episodes of unrest and violence in Zawiyah Governorate, including clashes linked to protests and local grievances. We note the Commission's reference to efforts by new authorities to engage with community leaders to address these tensions. In light of your recent visit, could you please elaborate on the current human rights situation in Sueda, and particularly the steps needed to prevent further violence and ensure that the rights of civilians, including members of minority communities, are fully protected during this transition period? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of European Union.

Thank you. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The EU continues to support the Commission's mandate and the peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria. How can we best assist Syria in ensuring transitional justice, protecting communities and preventing violence? We underline the importance of protecting the human rights of all Syrians and of transitional justice and reconciliation. We welcome the creation of the National Authorities for Missing Persons and for Transitional Justice and look forward to seeing these institutions progress and cooperate with relevant UN mechanisms, including the IIIM. We repeat our call on the transitional government to authorize the IIIM to start operating in Syria in accordance with its mandate. We also highlight the need and covered the fate of all missing persons and our support for the mandate of the IIMP. We stressed the importance of putting an immediate end to violence across Syria. It is crucial that all perpetrators of violence are held accountable and brought to justice. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected, protected, and fulfilled for Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination of any kind. Women have a fundamental role to play, and the transitional authorities must ensure their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all spheres of political life and society. Syrian civil society and free and independent media are crucial actors, including in dialoguing with the interim authorities. The EU calls on the transitional government to protect civic space by ensuring a safe and enabling environment free from threats, intimidation, and administrative hurdles. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea appreciates the Commission of Inquiry for its pivotal role in enhancing the human rights situation in Syria. As we mark nearly one year since the end of the Assad regime, my delegation recognizes the inspiring hope brought by Syria's new leadership, and we welcome its noble efforts to restore the dignity and rights of the Syrian people. In spite of Syria's serious efforts, it is regrettable that the deep scars of the past continue to hamper progress. The Commission's reports of sectarian conflicts and violence against civilians in certain areas reflect the lingering impact of the former regime's prolonged repression. My delegation is of the view that the government's sustained commitment is key to prevent these obstacles from undermining the remarkable progress Syria has achieved so far. In this regard, the Republic of Korea values Syria's continued dedication to strengthening accountability for all human rights violations and promoting the representation of communities and their diversity. We also welcome the readiness it has expressed to engage with the Commission and other international partners in advancing reform. My delegation encourages the Syrian Government to persevere in these efforts to ensure justice and to uphold human rights in line with international standards. We will stand in solidarity with Syria and its aspiration to ensure full respect for human rights. Mr. Chair, what further support can the international community provide to Syria so as to sustain this valuable momentum? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by Luxembourg and Germany.

Madam Chair, Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the members of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry for their continued impartial and courageous work under extremely challenging conditions. More than 10 months since the fall of the Assad regime, we remain deeply concerned by the continued suffering of the Syrian people and the grave human rights violations documented in the Commission's latest reports. Slovenia reiterates that there can be no lasting peace in Syria without accountability and justice. In that respect, we welcome the commitment of the Syrian Interim Authorities to identify those responsible and ensure accountability for the March events. We also recall that it is the Interim Government's responsibility to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights of its entire people. The protection and empowerment of all segments of society, including women and minorities, must remain central to all peace and recovery efforts. We again urge all actors to respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity, and to refrain from any actions that could escalate conflict or prolong human suffering. Madam Chair, we would appreciate the Commission's views on how the international community can better support Syrian victims and survivors, particularly women and children, in accessing justice and reparation. Slovenia stands with the Syrian people in their aspirations for peace, dignity and accountability. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Commissioner, Luxembourg thanks you for the presentation of your report and reiterates its full support for the work and the mandate of the International Independent Commission of Inquiry. Your report specifically mentions the role of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic, whose task is to shed light on the fate of all missing persons in Syria. I would like to recall that the independent institution has only one single objective. It is a humanitarian goal, namely alleviating the suffering of families by giving them the answers and the support that they need. We commend, in particular, your efforts to support families who remain the center of the work of the IINP. We remain deeply convinced that justice is an essential ingredient to bring peace back to Syria. The role of documentation of the Commission of Inquiry is an essential element in this context, as is the work of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism. Coordination among all these stakeholders is thus essential. What can Member States do to further support the efforts for justice undertaken by the Syrian authorities, the civil society organizations in Syria, family associations, and international entities. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of Luxembourg. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We want to start by reiterating our strong support for the Commission and its vital work. We also appreciate the access granted to the Commission by the Syrian Government. We remain a steadfast support of all efforts to ensure accountability for all human rights violations committed in Syria. Accountability is essential for a lasting peace and a central element for the transitional justice process. This process, we believe, must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. We commend the Syrian Government for establishing the National Transitional Justice Authority and the National Authority for Missing Persons. The future of the country depends, among other things, on the inclusivity of this transition, without which reconciliation and long-term stabilization cannot be achieved. Germany is deeply concerned about the outbreaks of violence this year. The priority must now be to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent new outbreaks of violence. Germany further reiterates its strong support for the central work of the IIIM, the UN team of experts on the rule of law and sexual violence in conflict, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, as much as the Independent Institution on Missing Persons. Finally, Germany acknowledges the essential role of the Syrian civil society in this process. Commissioner, how do we ensure that issues of accountability and justice are addressed across all fields, including reconstruction, return, and access to public services? And what role should mental health and psychosocial support play in reconciliation and peacebuilding? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And we would also like to express our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Paolo Panero, and we thank him for his briefing. My delegation, at the outset, expresses our appreciation and respect for the important role played by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry since it was formed. in investigating and documenting the crimes perpetrated systematically by the Assad regime over the past 14 years. This was a dark time for all Syrians, during which the Assad regime did not allow any international humanitarian mechanism to access Syria. He hid the violations of human rights and crimes that any normal person can hardly imagine. The reports of the commission and its briefings had a great impact in relaying these atrocities and placing them before the international community and global public opinion, and they have exposed and isolated that regime. On the 8th of December, 2024, the Syrian people liberated themselves And this historic day witnessed the release of thousands of prisoners, including women and children, from the Saydnaya prison, which is the most fortified military prison in the country. That historic moment reflected the determination of the Syrian people to liberate themselves from years of oppression and injustice, to achieve justice, and to hold accountable those who perpetrated crimes against them, and to build a state of laws and human dignity. Transitions are always difficult, but in the Syrian context, they are extremely complex. and face many challenges, including rebuilding the collapsed institutions of state and managing multiple security and social threats, and dealing with the heavy inheritance left behind by the past regime, such as a destroyed infrastructure, a proliferation of weapons, and an increase in hate speech. The new Syrian Government is working on controlling these manifestations and alleviating their effects. Government forces have responded to the unfortunate events in the coastal areas and in Sweida, and have intervened to protect civilians and to put a stop to armed violence. And as a result, a large number of the elements of the government forces were martyred. Madam Chair. Thanks to the constructive approach of the Syrian government and the support of the members of the Human Rights Council, the mandate of the independent commission was renewed in April by consensus, and this is the first time it happens since it was formed. This is a historic step in the direction of applying the principles of accountability and putting an end to impunity. The Syrian government, as mentioned by Mr. Pinheiro in his statement, the Syrian government welcomed the Commission into its territories and allowed it full access to all areas that it requested to visit. We also welcome the report published by the Commission on the coastal events, which is not much different from the results and conclusions arrived at by the National Investigation Commission, as has been acknowledged by Mr. Pinheiro. And we are proud of this. This was carried by Syrian media. This confirms the Syrian government's care for transparency and justice and holding accountable perpetrators, regardless of their identity. Moreover, the commission was given unimpeded access to Deir al-Zouri to investigate the recent events. And we confirm that the Syrian government is always ready to cooperate in a manner that serves justice and truth and to put an end to impunity. In this regard, the Minister of Justice today announced that public trials that public trials will be held for the perpetrators of the violations in the coastal events, and investigations are still ongoing in terms of Soueida's events. My country stressed the important role performed by the different humanitarian mechanisms and those related to accountability in Syria. We are also proud today of moving to a new reality, and we trust that the international community believes in reaching sustainable solutions, and these are accomplished by building local capacities and offering support to national efforts that aim to achieve justice and development. In closing, Madam Chair, I would like to express our deep gratitude to all members of the International Commission of Inquiry, to Mr. Hany Majali, Ms. Lynn Wilchmann. I thank them for the work they have done to ensure the success of the Commission's mandate, and of course I thank Mr. Pinheiro along with them. I am very happy that they were able to see Syria liberate itself after years of the hard work that they've done. I wish them success in their future endeavors. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Kingdom, followed by Switzerland and France.

Thank you, Commissioners, for your briefing and tireless work in monitoring Syria's human rights landscape, past and present.

We welcomed the renewal of the Commission's mandate last April, which ensured continued independent monitoring.

In coordination with the new government.

We recognise the positive steps taken by the Syrian Government to advance the political transition, including the recent indirect election for the People's Assembly, representative appointments made to the cabinet and the establishment of the national commissions on transitional justice and missing persons. The Syrian government's investigation into coastal violence in March and their facilitation of commission of inquiry were important steps. Its findings, highlighting there were acts amounted to war crimes committed by all parties, were sobering. The access granted to the Commission in Souweida was welcome. However, this violence also reinforces the urgent need for the government to act on recommendations in previous reports, to pursue accountability and reconciliation, and prevent further escalation.

Commissioners, what more can this Assembly do to support the Syrian government with improving the human rights landscape in Syria?

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Switzerland would like to thank the Commission of Inquiry for its work. Chair of the Commission, what assessment do you have of the possibilities that Syria has to overcome the deep divides amongst the people to have a stable country with peace? We are very concerned in Switzerland about the clashes between the various communities in Syria and events such as extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture, kidnappings, and the destruction of property. These are perpetrated by several actors. They violate IHL and human rights and intensify the humanitarian crisis. Since it calls upon all parties fully to respect international humanitarian law and human rights, we hail the transitional authorities that have allowed the Commission of Inquiry to enter Syria and so on. And we encourage the Syrian authorities to further strengthen this cooperation. The lasting violations of human rights and absence of accountability compromise the prospects for lasting peace. Switzerland remains determined actively to contribute to an inclusive peace process, which is necessary to achieve a durable, lasting stability and a solid And then Switzerland also lends its support to the special envoy of the UN looking at disappearances, this independent and impartial mechanism. Thank you.

Representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, followed by Ireland and Canada.

Madame la Presidente.

Madam Chair, France aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. France commends the sterling work of the Commission of Inquiry and reiterates its support for its mandate. Transitional justice is a necessary condition to establish a fair and lasting peace in Syria. Efforts undertaken to combat impunity need to continue. This should happen in close alignment with UN mechanisms and Syrian civil society. so as to guarantee the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, we also hail the work of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and by the accountability mechanisms of the United Nations, who have put their expertise to the service of Syrian institutions. The ouster of Bashar al-Assad and his regime created an historic opportunity to rebuild a Syria that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. France reiterates its commitment to the implementation of a peaceful political transition process that represents all of the elements of Syrian society. and aims to build a Syria that is free, unified, stable, inclusive, in peace, sovereign, and fully integrated into its regional environment and into the international community. In this regard, France welcomes the comprehensive ceasefire agreement entered into by the authorities of Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces on October 7th. On this basis, dialogue must continue to ensure the full implementation of the agreement of the 10th of March 2025. The same spirit of reconciliation and inclusion must spread to all of the communities that comprise the Syrian people. Transitional justice is both an essential means and a symbol of refound unity. It must allow for equal dignity of all elements of Syrian society.

The distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, Chair. Ireland aligns itself with the statement of the EU and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update. Nearly a year on from the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Syria is undertaking a deep and wide-ranging transition against a background of major internal and external challenges. We continue to support the Syrian people and the transitional authorities as they navigate these. The recent elections were a further incremental step forward. The transitional authorities should work to ensure the participation of women and minorities in these processes. We call for all Syrian communities, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, to participate actively in the transition process. Continued violations of Syrian territory undermine the transition process and risk destabilising Syria and the wider region. Syria will also need support in investigating the Assad regime's atrocities and ensuring accountability. This is a critically important process, and we will continue to support the Commission's important work on accountability. Ireland will continue to support the international, impartial, independent mechanism and the independent institution for missing persons in Syria. We welcome the transitional authorities' willingness to work with international mechanisms. Can you share the Commission's assessment on your interactions with the transitional authorities to work on accountability and the reform of justice in Syria? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada, followed by Saudi Arabia and China.

Thank you.

Canada would like to thank the Commission for its ongoing work on violations of human rights and missing persons in Syria. We are very grateful to the establishment of this impartial, independent international mechanism to look at future accountability and render justice. We wish to protect all rights of Syrian peoples and we condemn the atrocities and call upon the authorities to take all necessary measures to put an end to violence. There should be accountability regardless of affiliation. The international community must continue to support the endeavours of the Syrian Government to have a lasting political transition. We note the parliamentary elections and encourage the Syrian authorities to continue their efforts towards inclusive transition. Canada announced this year funding for Syria and general aid to deal with the sanctions. We call upon actors to fully to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Syria and to support a free and inclusive society without pressure or violence. Canada thanks the Chair of the Commission for the work and would like to put the following question. How can the international community better support the interim government's work led by President Ashar for a peaceful, inclusive transition? Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. Mr. President, may the peace of God be upon you. We appreciate the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. We value the efforts made in preparing the report, and we commend the positive steps taken by the Syrian Government to enhance security and stability in Syria and the region, including the official recognition of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. We welcome the lifting of sanctions on the Syrian Arab Republic. given its positive impact in supporting the Syrian government's reconstruction efforts. We emphasize the importance of continued international cooperation and support to strengthen stability and achieve sustainable development in Syria. We reaffirm the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and unity, to refrain from interference in its internal affairs, and to halt repeated Israeli attacks on its territories. We support all measures that contribute to consolidating security and stability. We call upon member states to enhance solidarity and collective action to support the Syrian people and to contribute to reconciliation efforts and facilitate Syria's reintegration regionally and internationally. We encourage creating new prospects for economic cooperation between Syria and the world, which will help achieve stability, prosperity, and growth. Thank you.

Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Islamic Republic of Iran, Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Sovereign Order of Malta. China, you have the floor.

Chair.

China takes note of the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. China pays great attention to the situation in Syria. We respect the choice of the Syrian people and support an inclusive political transition on the principle of Syrian leadership and ownership. China and so as to find a path for national reconciliation based on the rule of the Syrian people. China expresses great concern of the large-scale violent incidents in Syria this year. We call for thorough investigations, accountability for the perpetrators, equal protection of all Syrians. Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity. It poses a serious threat to international peace and security, economic and social development, and enjoyment of human rights. Syria must not become a safe haven for terrorist organizations. This is the bottom that Bottom line, the Hashishi should be upheld. The international community must remain vigilant against terrorist forces within Syria. China urges the Syrian transitional government to fulfill counterterrorism obligations and take all necessary measures to combat terrorist groups listed by the Security Council, including the EITIM. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Do you hear me? Thank you. I'll start over. I'll be quick. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Chair of the Commission of Inquiry for his updates on the report and for the important work of the Commission. While we commend steps taken by the transitional authorities to bring civil peace and stability, we remain concerned about violence and human rights abuses in Syria. Civilians must always be protected, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender. The Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to support the Commission of Inquiry, the IIIM, IIMP and OHEHR. We encourage the Syrian transitional authorities to further enhance cooperation with these mechanisms. Unhindered access to Syria is crucial to determine the fate of all missing persons and to achieve accountability and transitional justice. We support a process that is people-centered and that places the meaningful participation of victims and affected communities at its core. How can the Commission ensure that its recommendations on accountability remain relevant and actionable amidst Syria's rapidly changing political landscape? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Chair, after more than six decades of repression and conflict, Syria now stands at a crossroads. The emergence of new leadership offers hope that the country may finally begin to rebuild, not only through its institutions, but also the lives and dignity of its people. The Sovereign Order of Malta welcomes this promising turning point and sincerely hopes that this new chapter will bring lasting peace and renewal to the Syrian people. Yet, the humanitarian crisis endures. Millions remain displaced, hungry, and in need of care. 16.5 million Syrians still rely on assistance. Hospitals are closing, and medical shortages continue to rise. The sovereign order of Malta, through Malteser International, remains on the ground, supporting 18 facilities, providing medical and mental health services, and restoring water networks. But we cannot meet the need alone. We urge the international community to ease restrictions on humanitarian access and address the severe funding shortfall, with the humanitarian response plan still only 18% funded. And yet, even amid devastation, there remains a spark of endurance. A belief that shared commitment, when truly lived, can restore what politics alone cannot. During this year, the general debate, many global leaders voiced support for Syria's renewal and called for its reintegration into the international community. Their words now await proof in action. The time has come for that collective result to take tangible form. The international community must look beyond emergency relief to invest in the long and patient work of restoration, rebuilding hospitals and schools, securing livelihoods, and ensuring that those who fled may one day return home with dignity. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta. I now give the floor back to the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro.

Madam, your excellencies.

Statements given by the distinguished representative of the Syrian Republic and distinguished delegates of other member states, I wish to offer the following concluding observations. Impunity was a defining characteristic of Syria under the Assad era. The interim authorities now inherited a justice system that is deeply flawed and broken, one that has historically perpetuated rather than remedied human rights violations. We welcome the establishment of the National Authority for Transitional Justice and the Missing and their vocal commitment to ensuring accountability and non-repetition and national reconciliation and to serve all victims and survivors regardless of which party to the conflict was responsible. We stand ready to assist them. We are very pleased to meet the authorities head and members both in June and in September during our visit to Syria. We call upon member states to support the interim authorities in overhauling Syria's legal framework and domestic justice system. Such reforms should aim to ensure that justice is administered independently and fairly, providing redress to all victims of crimes. Achieving comprehensive justice in Syria requires much more than criminal trials. Victims and survivors must be empowered to seek the truth, access reparations, and benefit from the legal and institutional reforms necessary to guarantee no recurrence of such abuses. As I mentioned, it is encouraging to note that since last December, a million refugees have already returned to Syria, with millions more expressing the desire to do so. However, many returnees have described with devastation the encounter upon returning to their homes and communities. According to a recent UNHCR survey, 87% of Syrian refugee property owners report that their homes are destroyed or severely damaged, with only 12% considering their residence inhabitable. A new assessment by the World Bank has quantified extensive material devastation over a decade of conflict in Syria. The country's physical capital stock has been reduced by nearly one-tenth, and the projected reconstruction costs are nearly 10 times Syria's 2024 nominal GDP. This assessment is very consistent with our late 2024 paper, village and plunder, unlawful appropriation, destruction of properties of refugees and IDPs in Syria, which documented the deliberate, widespread destruction and looting of cities, towns, and villages by both former government forces and non-state armed groups. Violations of housing, land, and property rights pose a significant barrier to dignify the return of many Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes and lands. We call on Member States to support these individuals and the interim authorities in the daunting task of reconstructing and rebuilding Syria in any ways possible to improve the lives of the Syrian people. We commend the actions of several Member States that have eased sanctions, as this is a very welcome development. However, there is more that can be done. We urge continued support to the 2025 humanitarian appeal, which disappointingly is only 18% funded at present. Amidst the backdrop of massive destruction since 2022, Since 2011, it has been particularly painful for our teams to witness renewed violence, looting, confiscation, and burning of homes in the coastal area, Swayda, Homs, and various other locations across Syria since December. Our investigators recently in Swayda observed firsthand the unimaginable destruction that has been inflicted upon homes there. These ongoing violations demonstrate that violence against civilians is not confined to the past. There is an urgent need to end impunity to break the continuing cycle of violence and retaliation. Witness from affected areas, as well as from Damascus, have reported recent incidents of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, and ill treatment, which often result in forced displacement. Many have spoken of the fear they experience when questioned about their religious or ethnic identity, whether they are Sunni, Alawite, Kurdish, Christian, or Druze, and the discrimination and hate speech directed at minority communities. We are gravely concerned that the conditions are ripe for further violence, and without immediate preventive action, there is a serious risk that additional human rights violations, including those amounting to international crimes, will occur. This must cease immediately, and the international community should use all available influence and support to ensure that it does. All perpetrators of recent violations must be held accountable, regardless of their affiliation. Such efforts should be made known to affected communities to help rebuild trust.

Our recent report on coastal violence provides

additional forces to ensure adherence to military standards and discipline, thus preventing further violations. It is crucial that member states with influence over responsible factions take concrete actions to rein in these armed actors and seize immediately any financial or logistical support. Finally, I would be remiss not to express my extreme gratitude to my colleagues and friends, Lynn Welshman and Hani Megarney, who will be stepping down from the Commission in December. Their years of excellent service and friendship have been invaluable. Replacing them will be very difficult, but I am confident that they will continue to contribute to efforts helping Syrians rebuild their country and achieve justice for decades of abuse. Madame la President, Madam, Your Excellencies, Syria remains daunting with immense challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that Syria will emerge from this complex transitional period as a nation where all people can live in peace and security. We urge all state members of this Assembly to redouble their efforts in supporting Syria's journey toward justice and respect for human rights for all.

I thank the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. We will now hold a combined briefing with the presenters on the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Committee will first hear the two introductory presentations before proceeding to a joint interactive dialogue during which delegations can make comments or pose questions to one or both of the presenters. I now welcome our distinguished presenters, the Chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Sara Hosseini; and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Maysato. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to one or both speakers are invited to press their microphone button within the next six minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first intervention. I thank you for your cooperation. I first invite the chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Sara Hussein. Ms. Hussein, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm Sara Hussein, chair of the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. My fellow experts, Viviana Krsticijevic and Max Duplessis, are joining us remotely. As you're all aware, the fact-finding mission was established by the Human Rights Council almost three years ago, immediately after the nationwide protests erupted in Iran in September 2022, following the arbitrary arrest and unlawful death of Jina Mahsa Amini in custody for improper hijab. In April 2025, the Council broadened our mandate to investigate "recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in Iran" and to continue to collect and preserve evidence for future accountability purposes. This renewed mandate has allowed us to widen the scope of our investigations, while continuing to examine the structural causes of human rights violations, including discrimination on gender, ethnic, religious, and political grounds. Our mandate complements, but is distinct from, that of the Special Rapporteur on Iran. We conduct, at the fact-finding mission, investigations into specific incidents and patterns, and we collect and preserve evidence that can support initiatives for accountability and for reparations. To date, we have interviewed over more than 300 victims and witnesses, including inside the country, and we have collected and preserved over 38,000 items of evidence. We have achieved this despite being denied access to the country till now, and notwithstanding the way in which fear of reprisals has inhibited victims and witnesses from speaking out. Madam Chairperson, since March of this year, we have documented further deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran. Airstrikes by Israel on Iranian territory and a subsequent domestic crackdown by the Iranian authorities have further constricted civic space, undermined due process, and eroded respect for the right to life. Between 13th and 25th of June this year, Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes against Iranian military nuclear facilities, some of which also impacted civilian objects, including medical facilities and schools. According to the government of Iran, approximately 1,100 individuals were killed, including women and children, and over 5,600 people were injured. Iran responded by launching drone and missile strikes against Israel. According to the government of Israel, 31 people were killed and over 3,300 injured. Amongst the attacks, Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Evin Prison during visitation hours and without advance warning. The government of Iran stated that around 80 individuals were killed, including prison staff, prisoners, their families, women, and at least one child. Israeli officials claimed responsibility for the airstrikes, asserting that they targeted Iran's, quote, "repressive institutions," unquote, and stating, though without providing any supporting evidence, that counter-espionage operations were taking place inside the prison. Our preliminary investigation indicates that the Israeli airstrikes hit civilian buildings in the prison complex, which do not constitute legitimate military objectives, and that the strikes in these buildings were likely intentional. Our investigation also indicates that Iranian authorities themselves may have failed to take reasonable measures to protect detainees before, during, and after the strikes. They evacuated prisoners only after the strikes, removing some of them at gunpoint and shackling and threatening them. Prisoners' families were not informed for weeks, sometimes months, of their loved ones' whereabouts. By mid-August, the government of Iran had reported that over 21,000 "suspects" had been arrested during the hostilities. According to credible information which we have received, they included lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, and even social media users who simply publish content relating to the hostilities. Our investigation also indicates that the government of Iran has been continuously deactivating journalists' SIM cards. Repression of ethnic and religious minorities under the guise of ensuring national security is also intensified. Over 330 Kurds and large numbers of Arabs have been arrested, while hundreds of thousands of Afghans were deported. Members of the Baha'i minority were accused of being "Zionist spies." Some were arrested in house raids, with their property confiscated. The surge of executions in Iran this year is particularly concerning. Credible information indicates that over 1,200 individuals have been executed so far this year, exceeding the 2024 total, which was already the highest recorded figure in Iran for over a decade, since 2015. We urge the government of Iran to commute the death sentences of all people on death row and to immediately free those who have been sentenced to death arbitrarily. This includes women human rights defenders, such as Bagha and Azizi, Varisheh Moradi, and Zahra Shahbaz Tabari, who were sentenced to death in relation to their activism. We welcome the government of Iran's recent decision to commute a death sentence and its decision to overturn others for review. However, there are strong indications that the government of Iran continues to systematically implement the death penalty in ways that contravene international human rights law. Every such execution, in violation of international human rights law, violates the right to life. If executions form part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population as a matter of government policy, then those responsible, including the judges who impose capital punishment, could be held accountable for crimes against humanity. The repression that we have documented is not confined to Iran's borders. We have received information indicating that over 45 journalists face credible threats in seven countries for reporting on events in Iran. Such intimidation and surveillance violates the right to freedom of expression and may threaten the rights to life and security of the person. Madam Chairperson, the current upsurge of repression is not an isolated event. Rather, it reflects a recurring pattern where the government of Iran responds to protests and dissent with intense repression marked by human rights violation. According to our investigation so far, we have seen patterns that we have identified earlier during the investigation of the 2022 Women Life Freedom protests. It seems that state authorities have continued to commit gross human rights violations with impunity, intersecting with discrimination on grounds of gender, religion, and ethnicity. And such repressive measures and policies continue to deprive women and girls in particular of their fundamental rights. In conclusion, allow me to set out our request to Member States. First, we call upon you to press for an immediate moratorium on executions in Iran as a first step towards complete abolition of the death penalty. Second, support all forms of accountability for violations of human rights inside Iran and reparations for survivors. Third, assist persons who have faced or are at risk of human rights violations by Iran, including journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, and consider all diplomatic and judicial measures, including humanitarian visas and prosecution where possible under universal jurisdiction. Lastly, we call on you to safeguard and resource this mandate. Sustained support is essential to our investigations, to evidence preservation, and protection of those courageous women and men who continue to speak out and demand equality and justice. Thank you.

I thank the Chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. And next, I invite the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Maisato. Before giving the floor to Ms. Maisato, I would ask the delegation to limit their comments to 2.5 minutes. Ms. Sato, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. The people of Iran are being failed on two fronts. External military aggression has brought suffering for which they deserve redress and reparation. But so, too, has the escalating repression from their own state. Today, I present my report on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran covering this year, a period marked by devastating external aggression fueling deeper internal repression. On the 13th of June, Israel launched military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States later joined this military attack by targeting nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision. Such attacks should have never occurred. They risked catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that could have affected the entire region. These unlawful uses of force by Israel and US are in clear violation of the UN Charter. The human cost was devastating. Approximately 1,100 people died, including women and children. The attacks targeted hospitals, schools, civilian infrastructure across multiple locations, including the unconscionable attack on Evin Prison. Beyond the numbers, what this meant to the people of Iran is that millions of residents were forced to flee their homes. Healthcare access was disrupted for the most vulnerable. Pregnant women lost access to prenatal care and emergency services. Transgender individuals faced losing access to essential hormone therapy. Many LGBTI+ people were forced to return to unsafe family environments where they faced abuse, homophobia, and transphobia. The military escalation ceased on 24th of June. However, its end has not brought relief to the Iranian people. They have experienced further shrinking of their civic space. I will give four examples that highlight the further shrinking of civic space from my report. First, over 21,000 people, including social media users, journalists, human rights defenders, foreign nationals, particularly Afghans, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Baha'is, Christians, Jews, Kurds, Baluchis, and Ahwazi Arabs, were detained on occasions of collaboration or espionage. I have also received reports of intensified militarization, surveillance, and checkpoints in Kurdish, Baluchi, and Azerbaijani border regions that have created a climate of fear, including reports of violence and arbitrary arrests. The conflict has also exacerbated Afghan deportations from Iran, with over 1.5 million having returned or being forced to return in 2025, many facing serious risks of persecution under the Taliban rule. Second, a new espionage bill was introduced immediately after the military attacks. The bill became law on the 1st of October. Espionage was already a capital offense, but this new law expands the scope of conduct considered espionage to include activities linked to information dissemination and media work, such as contact with foreign and diaspora media outlets. Third, the use of the death penalty in the Islamic Republic of Iran has reached shocking levels. Over 1,200 people have been killed in 10 months of 2025. With an average of four executions a day, the state is conducting executions at an industrial scale that defies all accepted standards of human rights protection. I should add that this extraordinary frequency occurs with shocking opacity. Official sources report only 8% of the executions. Due to Iran's lack of transparency, the actual number is likely to be significantly higher. To date, 12 people have been executed on espionage charges, with 10 of those executions carried out after the 13th of June. Fourth, the surveillance and harassment of activists and journalists, both within and through transnational repression abroad, has spiked following the military aggression. Journalists working for outlets like BBC Persian and Iran International face death threats while their family members inside Iran face harassment. Families of Ukraine Airlines flight PS752 victims also face continued harassment. So far, I have focused on the areas where civic space has shrunk further following the military aggression. But I also want to emphasize the ongoing reports of human rights violations that I continue to receive. These reports are coming in before the military aggression, and they continue to come in now. It's important that we keep sight of this broader picture. Almost all allegations of arbitrary detention involve the use of torture by state authorities to extract confession. Cruel punishments are also handed down with impunity. For example, I continue to receive reports on the implementation of corporal punishments such as flogging and amputation of fingers using guillotines. Beyond the death penalty that I mentioned earlier, violations of the right to life are manifested in multiple forms. These include the extrajudicial killing of border couriers, kulbas, and field porters, sukbas, by State authorities. I have also received reports of possible unlawful deaths in custody, including cases of medical neglect leading to death. From my experience as rapporteur, families rarely file official submissions for fear of reprisals. are pressured to stay silent or coerced into accepting unlikely causes of death to receive the remains back. When women prisoners were transferred from Evin prison, the bombed Evin prison, to Karchak prison, some deaths in custody came to light. This transfer provided insights into conditions at facilities from which I rarely receive information. This, though, raises concerns about how many deaths in custody go unreported. where there are no political prisoners to speak out. Distinguished delegates, while the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a victim of external military aggression, it remains an enabler of grave human rights violations against its own people. The Iranian people's right to life and liberty are under unprecedented threat. The international community must not allow the gravity of interstate conflict to overshadow this ongoing human rights crisis. This is a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran to rebuild trust with its people. Post-conflict periods present critical opportunities for national unity and healing. The Islamic Republic of Iran has a choice here. It can reassure its people through concrete steps towards human rights protection, or it can continue down the path of repression. Ending executions, protecting fundamental freedoms, and upholding the rule of law are essential first steps. Accountability and transparency are indispensable for any path forward. The Iranian people deserve peace, dignity, and justice, and the international community must stand with them in that pursuit. Thank you.

I thank the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. I will now open the floor for questions or comments on one or both presentations. I remind delegations to limit their comments to 2.5 minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I will first give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Regarding all country-specific mandates related to the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we would like to reiterate our principled position of categorically rejecting such mechanisms and the unsubstantiated allegations compiled by them. We maintain that such mandates serve the narrow political agendas of certain countries, interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and lack a basis in the principles of respect and cooperation that should guide the human rights discourse. We therefore reject these mandates as the human rights situation in our country does not deserve such biased mechanisms. Madam Chair, we acknowledge Madam Sato's Special Rapporteur efforts to maintain an independent and constructive approach. In this regard, Iran's policy remains grounded in engagement and cooperation with her mandate. Madam Rapporteur's report includes information on the impact of unlawful attacks carried out by the Israeli regime and the United States. on Iran during the June 2025 and in paragraph six condemns these acts. Ms. Sato's stance to uphold international law and refrain from silence or ambiguity in the face of an unlawful, unprovoked, and unjustifiable act of aggression has been noted with appreciation by the Iranian people. Iran remains ready to continue its engagement and cooperation with Ms. Sato. However, we firmly believe that a number of allegations and accusations contained in her report are based on insufficient research and on verified information and on reliable sources. These shortcomings should be addressed and corrected in the future reports. Madam Chair, today for the first time we are witnessing a parallel, unnecessary and unconstructive oral reporting from the head of the so-called fact-finding mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran here in New York. It was expected that the main sponsors of this resolution would reconsider their biased approach in March in Geneva and refrain from extending the mandate. To our astonishment, they not only failed to do so, but also expanded its scope. We reject all unsubstantiated allegations made against our country during the oral update of the so-called fact-finding mission. And without addressing the content of today's presentation, we wish to make the following points. We listened to fact-finding missions briefing. It was all a repetition of the Special Rapporteur's field. This parallelism should be taken into serious consideration while many impartial, constructive, and necessary mechanisms at the UN are undermined due to liquidity crisis. The so-called fact-finding mission was imposed on Human Rights Council through the interventionist approach of a few European states. supported by the US, despite Iran having already employed all national legal and political mechanisms to address the 2022 riots. Independent investigative and remedial mechanisms established at the highest national level continue to address the situation of victims and affected individuals in the country. Therefore, Iran considers the establishment, continuation, and extension of this mandate as illegal, unfounded, and hostile in nature. The position of this so-called fact-finding mission during the 12-day unlawful military aggression by the Israeli regime and the US exposed its lack of competence and credibility, planting a dark mark on the perception of the Iranian people. While civilians faced relentless attacks, the FMS focus appeared limited to those mercenaries who collaborated with the Israeli regime in targeting Iranian innocent people. Throughout its mandate, the so-called fact-finding mission has produced baseless reports filled with recycled, discredited allegations leading to politically motivated conclusions. It adds no value to the UN. Madam Chair, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a multiethnic and multi-religious society, protects the rights of its all citizens under the Constitution and domestic law. and is committed to promoting and protecting human rights and respecting human dignity for all, particularly women and girls, as a moral and Islamic value. Accordingly, Iran has made significant strides in the promotion of human rights. Based on existing conditions, impediments, and realities, and with a view to promoting social justice and welfare, the country has made significant and comprehensive investments in the economic, cultural, and social fields. and has guaranteed people's rights to equal participation and development. Iran has continued its constructive engagement and interaction with the Office of the High Commissioner and the UN human rights mechanism, including through the treaty bodies, special procedures, mandate holders, and the UPR mechanism. The fourth cycle of the UPR of Iran has been adopted in January 2025. Iran has submitted its 20th to 27th periodic reports to the Committee of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 2024, and is finalizing reports for the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Bilateral human rights and judicial dialogues have also been strengthened with several countries, including Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, Russia, and Japan. The detrimental effects of UCMs against the Islamic Republic of Iran must be addressed as an inseparable component of any credible report on Iran. Yet both mechanisms have failed to do so. Any genuine assessment of human rights developments cannot overlook for over four decades of collective punishment inflicted upon Iranian people through these unlawful economic sanctions imposed by the US and certain Western countries. Madam Chair, it is imperative that the special procedure mandate holders fully comply with the HRC resolution 5/2 on the code of conduct, which prohibits them from seeking or accepting instructions from any government, individual, organization, or pressure group. Iran warns against the dangerous trend of using human rights mechanism to advance separatist, subversive, or destabilizing agendas, which diverts them from constructive engagement and disregards national considerations. Such tendencies must be firmly avoided. It is essential that the reports are prepared based on the facts and verification of claims received. They should avoid relying on the fabricated sources. In order to achieve a comprehensive and impartial approach, the concerns should be highlighted along with the achievements and efforts. Madam Chair, submitting all claims and repeating allegation does not mean their credibility is confirmed. It is important to provide evidence of facts to back up any claims. Without proper evidence, allegations are baseless and unsubstantiated. Given the UN's liquidity crisis, diverting scarce funds to such parallel unconstructive human rights mechanism in New York and Geneva, targeting a specific state turns multilateralism into a tool for coercion. A starving UN budget to serve narrow political agendas of Western countries reduces this organization to a platform of unilateral pressure with a UN letterhead. To conclude, Madam Chair, a few questions to the conscience of this room, to the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, the EU as a whole. Our questions, when desperate refugees drown at sea seeking safety on your shores, Is it the water that kills them or the walls of indifference built by those states who call themselves human rights defenders? When people of African descent continue to face police brutality, economic marginalization, and political exclusion in the heart of the so-called free world, where is the outrage then? How can states that preach tolerance abroad tolerate Islamophobia within their own borders? And when will those who speak loudest about human rights begin to listen to the silenced indigenous peoples and minorities within their own territories? I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus, followed by Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Czechia.

Madam.

Chair, distinguished colleagues, Belarus once more reaffirms its principled position of rejecting country-based approaches in the work of the UN. This includes the activities of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it also pertains to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. We categorically reject the instrumentalization of human rights to justify interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. We would like to point out that the mandate holders ignored the issue of the confirmed adverse impact that unilateral coercive measures have on the enjoyment of human rights by citizens of Iran. We were also disappointed to see the non-objective approach used in the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission. That report focuses exclusively on negative narratives. However, information provided by the of the relevant country was completely ignored. That fact contravenes the principles of impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, which form the basis for the entire human rights system. In this context, we are thankful to the Special Rapporteur for the more constructive approach taken and for the genuine desire to respectively cooperate directly with the relevant country. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, madam.

Venezuela has the honor to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. The presentation of reports and country-specific resolutions without the consent of the state concerned not only goes against the principles of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, non-selectivity, non-politicization, and non-confrontation, but also against the very spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. Therefore, we express serious concern about the growing proliferation of mechanisms and procedures that pretend to make impartial assessments of the human rights situation in certain states. and that in most cases, they lack the due consent and participation of the state in question, but also base their reports on secondary, tertiary, or other sources that may be partial or lack credibility, which ends up turning such documents into mere propaganda pamphlets, while granting them a purported legitimacy simply because of the fact that they are issued by bodies of the UN. We deeply regret and strongly condemn the failure of these mechanisms to acknowledge member states' human rights efforts, basing their judgments on shortcomings while disregarding externally imposed challenges and major impediments, such as those resulting from the illegal application of UCMs. We cannot overemphasize in this context the importance of avoiding that the name of our organization and the spirit that should guide its efforts be misused to advance the political agendas of certain states in clear disregard of the purposes and principles enshrined in its very own funding charter. Moreover, the group of friends has insisted that the illegal and immoral application of UCMs has a negative impact on the enjoyment and realization of human rights, including the right to development, life, food, health, and peace of our peoples. In this regard, we strongly urge States to refrain from promulgating and applying, and to lift any unilateral economic, financial, or trade coercive measures that impede the full achievement of economic and social development and human rights. rest of our statement is available.

Thank you. ...of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Czechia aligns itself with the intervention by the European Union. We are deeply concerned by the alarming number of executions. We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to establish a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its complete abolition. In this context, we also call for an end to the use of broadly defined crimes against national security, some of which are punishable by death. The intensified surveillance, the restriction of digital space, the ongoing persecution of lawyers, journalists, social media users, and human rights defenders, both inside the country and through repression outside Iran, must end.

Within the scope of your.

Current mandate, what concrete actions and support mechanisms do you pursue to ensure accountability and provide assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families, drawing both on your own findings and those of the fact-finding mission? We consider continued systematic discrimination against women and girls, both in law and in practice, which permeates all aspects of their lives, and the enforcement of the mandatory hijab unacceptable. Czechia stands with the people of Iran and reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts for justice, accountability, and a democratic future grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law. Let us prevent the silencing of those who speak out inside and outside the country. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Czechia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, followed by Uruguay and Cuba.

Madam Chair, my delegation reaffirms our position of rejecting all selective country-specific mandates as they are the products of politicization, selectivity, and double standards. We strongly disagree with the report of the fact-finding mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it is highly negative and biased. This mission is said to be related to the unrest in Iran in 2022, for which Iran simultaneously established a national mechanism to investigate the matter professionally. Therefore, we view the existence of the circles fact-finding mission is only serving the political objectives of Western countries who are seeking to interfere in internal affairs of sovereign states. Madam Chair, we take this opportunity to raise our deep concerns about the serious humanitarian situation in Iran caused by the unilateral coercive measures. Those unjustified measures and illegal sanctions are clear violation to the human rights of the Iranian people and must end immediately. My delegation reiterates that human rights issues must be addressed through a constructive, non-politicized, and non-selective manner, with respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of individual states. We will invariably support the efforts of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend its sovereignty and human rights of its people. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Uruguay. 1997 was one of the first countries to abolish capital punishment in our constitution. We say that this shall never be applied. So therefore, we are extremely concerned about the data published by the Special Rapporteur, Madame Massot, in her report on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Looking at the report, the state applies capital punishment with three or four executions per day, including public ones. with information on at least 700 cases from 2025, we see more than 1,200 executions, making an alarming total this year. Only 8% of the executions have been recognized by official sources, rendering the situation even more serious. This is counter to the obligations on transparency that states have to meet when they apply capital punishment. We see also increased suffering for the people involved and their families. Capital punishment is a violation of human rights. It's the most... egregious form of suffering. We note the report circulated recently by Iran on what it's doing on human rights, looking at the recommendations formulated by Uruguay, looking at Iran and the UPR in 2025. We reiterate our call to the authorities in Iran to put an end to all executions and to consider an official moratorium aiming to officially abolish the death penalty.

Representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Pakistan and Eritrea.

Thank you very much, Madam. The punitive actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran are not compatible with cooperation and dialogue, which should characterize the approach to human rights, which must be upon objective, universal, and non-discriminatory bases. Cuba reiterates its opposition to politically motivated exercises such as this. which are used as tools of pressure against certain countries and only meet the hegemonic interests of Western powers. Double standards and punitive approaches do not improve the human rights situation on the ground. They just generate confrontation and a lack of trust. They also remove credibility from the human rights mechanisms of the UN, as occurred with the no longer existing Human Rights Commission. Initiatives of this sort, which do not have the consent of the country concerned, are destined to fail, and they are an obstacle to the promotion of international cooperation on human rights. It is scarcely credible that human rights in a country are talked about and at the same time UCMs are imposed against this. There is sufficient evidence obtained by UN mechanisms to be aware that the UCMs have a direct impact, one that is extremely negative for human rights, the welfare and the living standards of the people against whom these measures are applied. Madam, the politicization of human rights must cease. We call for an end to selectivity and manipulation affecting the consideration.

Of these very important issues. Thank you.

I thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Pakistan subscribes to the growing global consensus that country-specific mandates contravene the UN Charter and the international human rights and humanitarian law. Deployed as a foreign policy tool, these unilateral actions undermine the basic tenets of multilateral cooperation and squeeze space for dialogue and negotiations in international affairs. Madam Chair, the United Nations Human Rights Council was envisioned to uphold the core principles of impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity in addressing human rights across the globe. Regrettably, it appears that these founding principles are frequently overshadowed by geopolitical objectives resulting in selective scrutiny of certain countries, often at the expense of genuine human rights concerns. Madam Chair, despite the challenges faced by unilateral coercive measures, Iran has continued its efforts to protect and promote the rights of its citizens. The enduring sanctions are putting strain on essential sectors, affecting the welfare and rights of ordinary Iranians. This approach questions our commitment to the HRC's missions and risks undermining its credibility. Madam Chair, Pakistan firmly believes that addressing human rights issues through cooperative, non-politicized frameworks fosters greater progress and encourages States to uphold their obligations. The Universal Periodic Review is one such mechanism that allows for constructive engagement, facilitating a fair and objective examination of every country's human rights record without singling out any one nation for targeted scrutiny. Madam Chair, Pakistan calls upon the international community to recommit to the HRC's founding principles, ensuring that all nations, regardless of geopolitical considerations, are treated fairly and objectively. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea, followed by European Union and Burundi.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Eritrea aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. Eritrea reaffirms It is time that to oppose any country's best mandates, including those imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Those mandates were created without the consent of the concerned state, and the practice is selective and politically motivated, aimed at exerting undue political pressure on a sovereign state. Human rights situations of all countries should be evaluated fairly, equitably, and with full respect for national sovereignty and by ensuring universality, objectivity and non-selectivity, no politicization, selectivity or double standard. We believe that the Universal Periodic Review is the most inclusive and constructive platform for enhancing international cooperation and fostering genuine dialogue on human rights. In this regard, we welcome Iran's engagement in the UPR mechanism and treaty bodies. We call for the removal of illateral coercive measures imposed on Iran, which are adversely impacting the nation's economy and the fundamental rights of its people. We urge the international community to engage with Iran through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, fostering cooperation and understanding. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Eritrea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Madam Chair, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. We express our gratitude for the Commission's work and support for their mandate. The EU also thanks the Special Rapporteur for her work. We continue to urge the Iranian authorities to grant her, as well as the fact-finding mission, immediate and unfettered access to the country. The EU is deeply concerned about the alarming rate of executions in Iran, averaging three or four executions a day, with more than 1,000 executions as of September, the year 2025 is already a new high. The EU unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances and urges Iran to pursue a consistent policy towards its abolition. Equally troubling is the systematic discrimination against women and girls and persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The EU is gravely concerned by reprisals and continued persecution of dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists, media workers and lawyers in Iran, as well as transnational repression they face, including on EU soil. The restrictions on freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, opinion and expression are unacceptable. The EU demands the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained citizens in Iran, which includes EU citizens. Iran must abide by its international obligations and end the distressing practice of detaining foreign citizens for political gains. We call on Iran to fully cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms, including the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur, and to implement the recommendations stemming from this year's Universal Periodic Review. Madam Special Rapporteur, how can the EU and international partners best support efforts to secure the release of all arbitrarily detained persons and to prevent future such detentions? Madam Chair of the Commission, the Commission recommended that the Human Rights Council considers mandating an independent body to follow up on the mission's work. Can you elaborate on your recommendation and why this would be needed from your perspective? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi, followed by Japan and Australia.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns with the statement made by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. As a principle, we reject specific country mechanisms when it comes to human rights. My delegation reaffirms its commitment for the protection and promotion of human rights in the respect of sovereignty and non-interference. Madam We deplore the fact that some reports of the special procedures move from their purposes and yield to political pressure. Human rights should not be politicized. Treatment should be impartial. We do not wish to see these mechanisms of interference or stigmatization not taking into account of progress really achieved on the ground. Thank you.

Representative of Burundi. And I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the Special Rapporteur for her presentation. Japan believes that universal values such as human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law should be respected in every country, including in Iran. Although the destabilization in the Middle East has affected the situation, we are concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, in particular civil liberties, as you have just mentioned. In this regard, I would appreciate it If you could elaborate on how you can help ensure that the civil liberties are promoted in Iran. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia, followed by Germany and Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Chair. We remain deeply concerned by Iran's ongoing and systemic human rights violations, including with respect to women and girls. and persecution of human rights defenders. We call on Iran to immediately repeal all laws that violate the human rights of women and girls. We are alarmed by the dramatic escalation in Iran's already extensive use of the death penalty, with Iran set to exceed 1,200 executions in 2025. We condemn Iran's ongoing use of executions, including of protesters, women and political opponents, and disproportionate application of the death penalty to religious and ethnic minorities. We call on Iran to establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty. We remain deeply concerned by Iran's violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including through continued restrictions on access to information, violent repression of protests and arbitrary arrest of political opponents. We reiterate our call for Iran to respect these rights. We also condemn Iran's attempt to silence dissent beyond its borders including by threatening and intimidating Iranian diaspora communities and seeking to stoke social divisions. How can States address transnational repression by Iranian authorities against the Iranian diaspora abroad? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First, we welcome the work and the reports of the fact-finding mission and the Special Rapporteur, and we regret that full access to the country has not been granted to the mission. Both reports trace an unsettling pattern of human rights violations, including the use of excessive and lethal force, severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of information, of opinion, of expression, and of peaceful assembly, and the repression of human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists, amongst others. They violate Iran's international legal obligations, and this must stop, be credibly investigated, and accounted for. We are further deeply concerned about the dramatic increase in the sentencing and the implementation of the death penalty, and the simultaneous lack of transparency regarding executions and incidents of killing. This affects in particular individuals who committed crimes as minors, persons of ethnic and religious minorities, and women. Coming to the situation following the protests of September 2022, the fact-finding mission paints an equally worrying picture of increased and targeted repression, of violations of children's rights, and again of the use of the death penalty. Serious efforts, we believe, must be undertaken to ensure accountability of what has happened at the time. We call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to guarantee and live up to its human rights obligations under international law. As first steps, immediate steps should be done and we call on Iran to end arbitrary detention and persecution, especially of protesters, journalists, media workers and human rights activists, and to cease restrictions concerning the access to the internet, social media and mobile communication which are frankly used as a tool of repression. Madam Chair, what is needed to ensure credible accountability for violations committed since the 2022 protests? And, Madam Special Rapporteur, which initial steps could put Iran on a path of sustained improvements of the human rights situation in the country? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, followed by United Kingdom and Nicaragua.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom of the Netherlands expresses its deep appreciation to the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur for their dedicated work. We welcome their reports, as well as the Human Rights Council resolutions adopted in April, which extended their mandates. We continue to urge Iran to fully cooperate with both the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission and to implement their recommendations. The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its long-standing opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances. We are deeply concerned by, and denounce, the alarming increase in executions in Iran, which have already surpassed last year's numbers. The Netherlands remains gravely concerned about the persistent and widespread human rights violations in Iran. we strongly condemn the systematic oppression of women and girls, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ persons, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. We further denounce Iran's continued practice of arbitrary detention and acts of transnational repression. Turning back to the briefers, could you please elaborate on how the 12-day war impacted your operational space and consequently the parameters or constraints of your research? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Chair. The reports of the special rapporteur and the fact-finding mission shed light on Iran's continued human rights violations. This forum has repeatedly considered Iran's abhorrent use of the death penalty, which has reached an extraordinary level. We are witnessing widespread and sustained violations of the right to life. The special rapporteur's report highlighted the women who were executed for homicide committed in the context of gender-based violence, which is a stark reminder of the brutal inequality that women suffer in Iran. We are gravely concerned by Iran's new espionage law, which seeks to broaden crimes that are punishable by death, including contact with foreign and diaspora media outlets. This law has serious implications for the Iranian people's rights to the freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, and of peaceful assembly.

We stand against it.

We regret all loss of innocent life during the recent 12-day war. However, Iran's response at home was disturbing. The internet shutdown blocked access to essential communication channels and services, preventing the full documentation of human rights violations. During this period, Minority communities were disproportionately targeted with increased harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention. Special Rapporteur, Madam Chair, what can we do to encourage Iran to take a different path on the death penalty?

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua, followed by Switzerland and Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We join with the statement made by Venezuela on behalf of the group of Friends of the UN Charter. The Republic of Nicaragua recognizes the Islamic Republic of Iran as protecting the human rights of its multicultural, multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious belief people. We do not wish to see the UN reports being used as promoting political agendas, particularly in developing countries, using human rights as a pretext to interfere in the affairs of sovereign independent states. We firmly reject the reports and mechanisms based on selectivity, politicization, and a lack of objectivity, established without the consent of the countries concerned, as in this case, the people and government of the Islamic the Republic of Iran. The Third Committee and its mechanisms should be guided by principles of universality, impartiality, non-selectivity, genuine dialogue and cooperation in order to promote the multilateral system. Nicaragua reiterates its rejection of the selective treatment of human rights situation in specific countries, particularly in Iran. This runs counter to the spirit and purposes of the UN Charter. It's contradictory that while the UN, which has a liquidity crisis, still sees Western countries promoting targeted mechanisms, both in New York and Geneva, interfering with the sovereign independence of states. We believe that friendly relations and mutual respect should govern relations based on genuine cooperation to promote universal human rights. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Madame la President.

Switzerland thanks the Special Rapporteur for the report and the Chair of the Mission of Inquiry for the updating given to us. We hail the connection between the Rapporteur and the Mission, and we urge full cooperation with all the international mechanisms of human rights. Madam, the Special Rapporteur and the Chair of the Mission of Inquiry, how do you see the impact of the new law intending to strengthen penalties for espionage in Iran with capital punishment. And what recommendation would you have for the international community when it comes to protecting the rights of the accused pursuant to this law? Madam Special Rapporteur, Switzerland is deeply concerned by the dramatic rise in the number of executions in Iran. We are also very worried at the disproportionate numbers of minorities who are condemned to death. Switzerland firmly calls on Iran to establish a moratorium on capital punishment, aiming at its complete abolition. We, moreover, deplore the situation in Iranian prisons, where cases of torture and ill-treatment have been reported. We call upon Iran to protect the rights of prisoners, to respect the rules of Nelson Mandela and Bangkok, and to ensure due process. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel, followed by Russian Federation and Norway.

Thank you, Chair. The human rights violations in Iran did not begin in June. This is a longstanding practice of the regime, and no one should be misled by the information which, mind you, was submitted by the so-called High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran itself. Allowing one of the world's most notorious human rights violators to distort facts undermines this institution and risks turning it into a platform for propaganda. In June 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion to neutralize an imminent and existential threat posed by Iran's advancement of its nuclear and missile program. The operation fully complied with international law and strictly targeted military sites, all while Iran deliberately fired hundreds of missiles and UAVs at Israeli citizens. In addition, prior to this operation, Iran had already launched two direct attacks against Israel from within its territory with hundreds of UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, all intended to cause mass civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure in Israel. Israel stands not against the Iranian people, but with them. with the women and men and minorities of Iran who continue to demand freedom and dignity instead of oppression and fear. And we call on the international community to show the same courage and hold Tehran accountable for its actions. At the same time, Iran's proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continue to terrorize civilians around the Middle East. Israel will continue to defend its citizens while upholding democracy and international humanitarian law. Israel calls on all member states to distinguish clearly between a democracy defending its people and a regime who murders its own people. I would like to ask the fact-finding mission, do you intend to look into the way Iran's funding of the development of ballistic missiles, nuclear programs, and terrorist organizations undermines the basic human rights and welfare of its own citizens. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russian Federation.

Madam Chair, our principled position of rejecting the corrupt practice of selective one-sided resolutions on human rights in specific countries remains ironclad. These biased resolutions predetermine the slanted nature of the products they produce. We've read the reports presented by the Special Procedures on human rights in Iran. We are disappointed in their content. We're compelled to note that the noble ideas of promotion of human rights were once more held hostage to shortsighted political expediency and biased approaches. The mandate of the mechanisms of the Special Rapporteur and FFM are used for corrosive political goals by a certain group of states instead of establishing constructive dialogue with Tehran. From year to year in UN4, reports are presented exclusively accusing Iran and ignoring the comprehensive and unique sociocultural context of this state. We're convinced that the universality of human rights should not be used to impose alien cultures and values while ignoring the sovereign right of countries to choose their path and development. Furthermore, these reports ignore the adverse impact that illegitimate UCMs have on human rights of this country, and that impact is substantial. Chair, Iran, year after year, has demonstrated readiness to engage with international bodies, including inviting visits and providing the requested information to special procedures. However, instead of positively noting these steps and using them as a basis for equal dialogue, we're again presented with a one-sided litany of biased allegations repeatedly leveled by the West. We are disappointed in the fact that the report fails to reflect the Government's achievements in ensuring human rights. We are convinced that progress towards the promotion and protection of human rights for all citizens is attainable only through cooperation, not through pressure and coercion. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, followed by Ireland and France.

Chair, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her factual and comprehensive report. Norway is deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, particularly for women. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the attention to sexual and gender-based violence, and we strongly urge Iran to ensure that adequate protection is provided by law and in practice. Women human rights defenders face constant threats and risk serious reprisals. We commend all of those who, despite these challenges, work tirelessly to promote human rights and freedom for all. Chair, we are deeply concerned about the extensive application and dramatic escalation in the use of death penalty in Iran. Norway stands firmly against the use of capital punishment at all times and under any circumstances. We are especially concerned about the use of death penalty for juvenile offenders.

We urge Iran to fully comply with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

And refrain from imposing capital punishment on persons below the age of 18. The rights of prisoners and detainees must be ensured.

And they must have access to their lawyers and adequate medical care.

We would welcome any additional remarks by the Special Rapporteur which could help us understand the nature and drivers of the rapid increase in the application of the death penalty in Iran. Chair, we urge Iran to continue cooperating with the Special Rapporteur, including by granting physical access in accordance with her mandate. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Ireland aligns itself with the statement of the EU and thanks the Special Rapporteur and Fact-Finding Mission for their updates. We also welcome the decision of Iran to accept a recommendation from its UPR in January 2025 to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. That said, we believe there is a need for continued monitoring and reporting on Iran following the findings presented. Recent events have underlined that true security for Iran, as for all states, rests in the freely given support of the people through civic participation and in exercising their right to freedom of expression. Ireland remains deeply concerned by the continued and greatly increased use of the death penalty in Iran, including of persons who were minors at the time of their offence, and calls for a moratorium to be put in place. We further remain concerned by the restrictions imposed on freedom of information through the limiting of access to communication services, suppressing the human rights of Iranians. We urge Iran to eliminate all laws and practices that discriminate against women and call for the decriminalisation of women's dress choices. Ireland condemns the continued discrimination and oppression of minority groups in Iran, notably those of the Baha'i faith, and attacks on Iranian dissidents in other countries. We continue our support for human rights defenders in Iran. Ireland calls upon the Iranian Government to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and the fact-finding mission and supports the fulfilment of their mandates, including by allowing access to Iran. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, followed by Sudan, Canada, and China.

Madam Chair, Madam Special Rapporteur, Madam Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, we endorse the statement of the European Union. And I would like to reiterate France's support to the FFM. And I think the Special Rapporteur for the report Your work spotlights the ongoing, dismaying degradation of the human rights situation in Iran. The death penalty and the practice of executions have reached alarming levels. With more than 1,000 executions, 2025 has already set a new record since the executions of 1988. France recalls its steadfast opposition to the death penalty in all places and circumstances, as well as our commitment to the universal abolition of this unjust and inhuman punishment. France also reaffirms its unwavering and resolute commitment to combat and eradicate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls everywhere in the world, including in Iran. Arbitrary detentions, violations of due process, wrongful prosecution, and degrading treatments must stop in Iran. France reiterates its call for the release of all European nationals that are arbitrarily detained. That includes two French citizens that have been held in captivity for over three years in deplorable conditions. We call upon the authorities of Iran to end their policy of state hostage taking. Your report, Madam Special Rapporteur, speaks eloquently about the violations of the right to freedom of expression, freedom of religion and conscience committed in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ongoing persecution of attorneys, journalists, and human rights defenders must stop. France reiterates its condemnation of human rights violations committed by the Iranian regime. It urges Iran to fulfill its international commitments. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation reiterates its firm, principled position regarding country-specific reports and mandates. We are convinced that these mandates are primarily imposed on countries without their consent, thereby compromising the sovereignty.

Of the states.

Such practices are counterproductive.

And foster confrontation rather than achieving meaningful engagement and cooperation in the promotion and the protection of the human rights. They merely reflect the narrow political motivations of specific countries. My delegation is convinced of the constructive engagement and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation, mutual understanding, all while maintaining full respect for national sovereignty and national human rights priorities. Madam Chair, consequently, we urge for the revocation of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Iran due to their direct and adverse impact on the enjoyment of the human rights.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sudan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I want to thank the Special Rapporteur and the fact-finding mission. for their very important roles in monitoring and documenting human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Canada is appalled by systemic violations and abuses against the Iranian people, particularly the rise in executions. Iran's flagrant disregard for human life calls for immediate action, and we call on Iran to abolish the death penalty. We are deeply concerned over the targeting of individuals, including women, girls, and minorities, as well as lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders, and their families, both inside Iran and through transnational repression. We urge Iran to uphold civic space and to respect the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of association, as well as privacy rights both online and offline. It is essential that the international community maintain pressure on Iran for its appalling human rights record, including through UN human rights mechanisms, and collectively call for accountability and an end to impunity. Madam Special Rapporteur, we have this question for you, and I'd like to thank you so much for your engagement with us in all the work that you do. Canada is deeply concerned that the death penalty in Iran is applied not only as a punitive measure, but as a tool of intimidation and silencing. How can multilateral mechanisms be strengthened to address the misuse and the abuse of the death penalty in Iran? Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Madam Chair, China maintains all parties should engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation on human rights based on equality and mutual respect. We oppose politicizing and instrumentalizing human rights issues.

Any.

Work at the Human Rights Council by the human rights mechanisms should help promote dialogue and cooperation, must not be isolated from the history and culture, religious traditions, and socioeconomic context of various countries. Establishing a country-specific mechanism without the consent of the country concerned only undermines dialogue and confrontation, fueling confrontation and conflict, will not help the human rights situation in the country concerned. They are extremely costly, causing a huge waste of the U.N.'s increasingly scarce resources. China calls on regular evaluations of these mechanisms to assess their necessity and efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization, and introduce a sunset clause. China welcomes the efforts made by the Iranian government in recent years to promote and protect human rights, especially the rights of women and children, minorities, and migrants and refugees. We commend Iran for actively adopting the recommendations from the UPR and for engaging in dialogue and cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms. We call on the international community to genuinely respect Iran's sovereignty and to view its human rights situation objectively and impartially. China is profoundly concerned by certain countries arbitrarily imposing UCMs against Iran. serious infringing upon the Iranian people's rights to survival, development, and other economic, social, and cultural rights. We urge the countries concerned to immediately lift all UCMs. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We are taking the floor for the second time to address some of the concerns and also react to some of the statements and propaganda. The Israeli regime's atrocities, including its recent barbaric attacks on Iran that slaughtered hundreds of innocent people, are a testament to its utter disregard for human life and dignity. 1,100 innocent lives have been lost, just mentioned several times today by the representative of two mechanisms. Is it too small in amount in comparison with the genocidal act of this regime in decades of terrorism in the region and massacring of 70,000 of Palestinians? Racism, racial discrimination, and apartheid are manifested in the most horrific manner in Palestinian territories by the Israeli regime, as documented in the UN report and the most recent UNGA resolutions. evidence points to Israel's continued use of starvation to inflict genocide against Palestinians. We are alarmed by the report of Madame Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur in Occupied Palestinian Territory, just documented the complicity of Western countries to such genocidal attacks in Gaza. We need a new mechanism on such proud Western countries to respond on such documents. They shouldn't be selective when it comes to the reports and mechanisms which are against them, and they should trust to reveal the other side of the coin. On the death penalty, it is worth mentioning that it is the prerogative and sovereign right of each member state to develop its own legal system. On legal penalties, it should be highlighted that my government proactively continues to take necessary measures to minimize the recourse to the death penalty and to reserve it only for the most serious crimes, as is stipulated in the ICCPR. The death penalty is applied in full compliance with the standards of a fair trial from the investigation stage to the issuance of the initial verdict and then the final verdict with full transparency. So repetition of allegation doesn't give credit to them. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I will now invite the presenters of the combined briefing to respond to the comment and question from the floor. I first give the floor to the Chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Sara Hossein. Ms. Hossein, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I should request the distinguished delegates, particularly those who rejected the findings of the fact-finding mission, to perhaps just read our statement this morning, because I note that the delegate from the Islamic Republic of Iran also referred to our statement in her concluding comments, having rejected us at the outset. So I would respectfully request you all to kindly read what we write and what we say without taking predetermined positions, as many of the delegates seem to have done. It's rather unfortunate to see these double standards operation, even in this distinguished place. Responding to the questions, the first question we had was from Czechia on the concrete actions and support mechanisms for victims. The victims whose experiences we have documented are not only those from the 2022 protests, but others from this year, from 2025, and individuals who have not received any kind of redress despite facing horrendous violations following their engagement in previous protests in earlier years as well. So we would call upon you to consider redress to those victims in the form of truth, justice and reparations, exploring options for providing that through universal jurisdiction where it's possible and also through exercising territorial jurisdiction as third states in cases of transnational repression and persecution. We would also urge you to consider establishing a victims fund in close consultation with victims and civil society organizations to provide reparations for Iranian victims both inside and outside the country. We would also urge some of you to consider providing humanitarian visas for those courageous persons who need the support who have managed to leave the country as well. You may consider mapping potentially Iranian assets to support the sourcing of such funds alongside voluntary contributions as well. Turning to the questions from Australia regarding action to be taken on transnational repression, again, we have developed a roadmap on justice, accountability, and reparations, including measures that can be taken outside Iran, some of which I've just mentioned. Humanitarian visas are particularly important, as well as other protective mechanisms, and exploring judicial avenues to open investigations for potential prosecution of alleged perpetrators of crimes under international law. There was a question from the Kingdom of the Netherlands about how did the 12-day war impact our operational activities and research? Well, most substantially because we're looking into the impact of the Israeli airstrikes and also the impact of Iranian airstrikes in Israel. We've sent out a request for information to both governments. We have received a response from the government of Iran, which we are currently considering and will be responding further to. We have not yet received any response from the government of Israel. The hostility has also impacted on us, because of course they have created a whole set of new facts which require examination and created a situation of extreme fear. and terror inside the country as a result of the airstrikes that were carried out on Iran by Israel, and also the following the airstrikes, the repression that we saw being carried out by the Iranian authorities, which has obviously created an extremely difficult and challenging environment in which we are trying to seek contact and communication with victims and witnesses. On the question of deterrence on the death penalty, we would again repeat and reiterate our call made earlier on Iran to implement an immediate moratorium on executions. As the distinguished delegate from Iran herself mentioned, international law and the Human Rights Committee's own interpretation is that interpretation of the most serious crime standard, which we have in Article 6 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is that the death penalty should only be imposed for crimes of extreme gravity that directly and intentionally result in death. In Iran, as in many other countries, the death penalty continues to be applied for many offenses which do not fall within that standard, including many drug-related offenses. And many of those 1,200 death sentences that were carried out this year do, in fact, relate to such offenses. We would, in relation to the question from Switzerland on the impact of the new law on strengthening penalties on espionage. And we're concerned that this new espionage law will lead to further human rights violations, and is already doing so, to the extent that it broadens the scope for imposing the death penalty for very vaguely defined offenses, which are framed as espionage. And we're also very deeply concerned that this legislation will further accelerate the pace of executions. We've seen executions already being carried out this year. in relation to allegations and charges of espionage. We're also concerned that this law will violate other rights in its application, including the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and peaceful assembly. I think that concludes all of the questions that were addressed to me. Thank you.

I thank the chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. I next give the floor to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Maisato. Ms. Maisato, you can have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I thank the distinguished delegates for all your interventions. I'll try to answer all the questions, starting with responding to the Islamic Republic of Iran and on sanctions and on women's rights and the death penalty and the transnational repression, and a couple of other questions if I have time. So, first, I'd like to address the comments from the delegates of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the point about not recognizing the legitimacy of my mandate, I want to start by acknowledging that it will be difficult for any country to welcome a country mandate with open arms. Therefore, I appreciate the engagement of the Islamic Republic of Iran to date. Going forward, my goal is to build on this existing relationship and engagement and foster further constructive dialogue on substantive issues and for me to be able to provide practical recommendations for further improvement. In more concrete terms, I think my knowledge and expertise on the death penalty could be an asset to the Islamic Republic of Iran if it were serious about restricting the application of death penalty, leading to eventual abolition. On country visit, I reiterate my request for the government to grant unhindered access to the country. A positive response will be a significant indicator for the government's willingness to cooperate substantively with this mandate. I also thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for their appreciation for my independence and objectivity. On the criticism concerning the insufficient research and the use of unreliable data, I wish to make several points. Transparency is one of the key themes of my mandate. It is what I asked of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and I apply the same standard to myself. This is why I have a public call for input for all my reports, and I make my sources clear all in my footnotes. Here, I commend civil society organizations for their meticulous data collection and families for providing testimonies despite the significant risks. I agree with the Islamic Republic of Iran that thorough research and use of reliable data is vital, and I would like to remind the Islamic Republic of Iran that I have requested information to inform my reports. If I have only quoted civil society data, it means I did not receive the information that I had requested. Opacity also makes it impossible for States to demonstrate non-discrimination and equal treatment under the law, as there is no way to show human rights is properly upheld in the country. I look forward to receiving further information, data on this topic, and I look forward to our constructive engagement. Now on the impact of sanctions, in my report, I have a recommendation which calls states imposing sanctions to implement effective humanitarian exemptions to minimize human rights impact. Sanctions have indeed affected Iran's economy, but they do not themselves absolve the states from responsibility to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. For example, the restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly of association, and targeting of civil society organization, or inadequate protection of minority rights, they reflect domestic policy decisions independent of international restrictions. These violations create a cycle where human rights abuses lead to international isolation, reduced investment, and internal instability, all of which harm economic development. Moreover, the extensive enforcement apparatus required to maintain a tight grip on its people divert significant state resources away from productive economic activities. I also want to finalize my point on sanctions by saying that the full scope of sanctions, the impact, also remains difficult to access without transparent data on resource allocation decisions and government practices. This makes it very challenging to distinguish the impact of sanctions from other domestic factors affecting human rights. Now I wish to say a few words on the rights of women. Thank you for the delegations for raising the issue of women's rights, as this is also one of the key priorities of my mandate. In my report to the Council this year, I raised the state's failure to criminalize marital rape as one of the contributing factors that normalizes violence against women. In June 2025, the Government formally withdrew the Domestic Violence Bill, which has been pending since 2017. The reason for the withdrawal was the extensive legislative alterations that undermined its core objectives. Here, I urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to redevelop comprehensive domestic violence legislation that effectively criminalizes violence against women, including marital rape, and ensures effective protection and remedies for victims. I think a couple of the delegations also mentioned the hijab. I think there has been positive developments here. The hijab law has not been enforced. That said, I want to emphasize that the wearing of the hijab remains mandatory under law. Note to article 638 of the penal code punishes women who appear in public without the prescribed hijab to imprisonment of 10 days to two months or cash fines. So there is a discrepancy at the moment, and there may be some differences between the region between the law and enforcement. And a few words now on the death penalty. And I think I'd like to thank all delegates that expressed concern and called for a moratorium on the death penalty. Over 1,200 known executions this year demonstrates the tragic scale of state-sanctioned lethal violence. It's a deliberate policy of fear and retribution that leaves behind devastated families and communities. As a criminal justice expert, I take the view that capital punishment reflects state's willingness to exert lethal control over its people, rather than serving it as an effective deterrent. And there is pretty much academic consensus on the lack of deterrent effect of the death penalty. And to use an example from 2015, the state authorities have executed 12 people on espionage charges, with 10 executions carried out after the 13th of June. While these individuals were convicted before the military escalation, I think it's worth noting that the number of executions on the grounds of espionage are much higher than in previous years. 2025 isn't still over yet, but if we compare the numbers with previous years, 2013, we had known six espionage executions and five in 2024. So the numbers have more than doubled. Continuing on the death penalty, I am particularly concerned about the number of executions for drug-related offences, of which there are about half. I note that the Narcotics Bill has been introduced to the Majlis. and I will be monitoring this situation closely, and I stand ready to offer my expertise on capital drug laws, working constructively with the Islamic Republic of Iran towards reducing drug-related executions with a view to eventually leading to abolition. I also plan to examine drug policy and human rights in my upcoming Human Rights Council report, and I want to acknowledge the UNODC for their engagement with my mandate on this important topic. Moving on to the delegation's comment on concrete recommendations on transnational repression. The term transnational repression has been gaining traction, though transnational repression has existed for a long time before we started giving it its current name. And I welcome various states publishing joint statements in coming up with a shared definition and standing strongly against transnational repression. I urge states to take proactive action to protect individuals at risk within their own borders. Police in host countries face challenges as they must first build trust with victims who often distrust law enforcement based on their experiences back home. And police authorities also need training on how effectively to handle reports of transnational repression. I think my time is soon up, so I will finish this, my final remark. On a broader note, I want to urge states to stand united with the international community in upholding the integrity and independence of special procedures. I wish to unconditionally denounce the US government sanctions on the Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Sanctioning a special rapporteur appointed by the Human Rights Council is a direct attack on the integrity of the UN human rights systems, including special procedures of which I am also a part of. Thank you very much.

I thank the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. I once again thank the speakers for joining the combined briefing, which served to increase the depth on our discussion on the subject matter. The Committee will continue its consideration of agenda item 71, promotion and protection of human rights, and its sub-item A to D, tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. to hear statements by special procedure mandate holders and other experts, and engage with them in an interactive dialogue. Thereafter, the Committee will hear general statements on any or all agenda items, as time permits. Information on the work of the committee, including the schedule of meetings, is available on iGov. The meeting is adjourned.