Iran summoned the German ambassador and the British chargé d’affaires, condemning their support for extending the UN human rights probe. Vadiati criticized their human rights advocacy, citing historical grievances and asserting Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. The UN mission claims Iran continues to violate women’s rights, contradicting the government’s promises of reform.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador and the British chargé d’affaires in response to their nations’ support for extending the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate on human rights. Forouzandeh Vadiati, head of the Women and Human Rights Department, criticized the resolution as “irresponsible and provocative,” citing past grievances against both Germany and Britain regarding their roles in Iran’s history.
Vadiati accused Germany of supplying chemical weapons to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War and claimed that Britain had meddled in Iran’s oil industry prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She emphasized that both countries lack credibility to advocate for human rights, referencing statements by the British Foreign Secretary that highlighted their failure to uphold commitments made under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The Iranian official asserted that the actions of these European nations mirror the US policies of maximum pressure and sanctions imposed on Iran. Regarding the country’s nuclear program, Vadiati maintained that it is purely peaceful and subjected to stringent oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), dismissing any allegations as politically motivated.
The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which began in November 2022, was designed to explore alleged human rights violations, particularly focusing on women and children amidst protests. Despite facing difficulties with Iranian cooperation, the mission has gathered substantial evidence—documenting over 38,000 pieces and conducting 281 interviews.
Tehran has rejected the mission’s findings as politically biased. However, a recent UN report conveyed to the Human Rights Council noted that Iran persistently restricts women’s rights and suppresses dissent, indicating an ongoing pattern of state oppression contrary to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s pre-election promises to ease hijab enforcement and promote gender equality.
In summary, Iran’s diplomatic protest against Germany and Britain centers on the UN’s inquiry into human rights in Iran, which Iran views as unjust. The Iranian government continues to assert the peaceful nature of its nuclear program while rejecting external assessments as biased. The ongoing dialogue reflects the broader tensions surrounding human rights issues and international relations, particularly regarding Iran’s domestic policies and compliance with international agreements.
Original Source: shafaq.com
