In a move that has stirred global controversy, Ebrahim Raisi, a figure with a documented history of human rights violations, has been slated to chair the United Nations Human Rights Council Social Forum. Despite his and the Iranian regime’s troubling track record, this scenario is unfolding as we speak.
The Presidency of the Human Rights Council announced in April 2022 that Iran had secured the chair for the Forum’s nineteenth session, which is taking place in Geneva on November 2-3, 2023. The forum, focusing on “The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Advancing Human Rights, particularly in the Period of Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” hosts various experts, international officials, and government and non-governmental representatives.
The international community must shun this regime and end impunity for its criminal leaders.
The leaders of this regime, and above all, Ali Khamenei, Ebrahim Raisi, and the Judiciary Chief, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Eje’I, must be prosecuted in an International Court. #Iran… pic.twitter.com/AsqpSBOuGc— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) November 2, 2023
This sentiment came as a surprise even to Kayhan, given that Iran had faced no competition from other Asian or Arab countries for the role.
This development occurred in stark contrast to the Human Rights Council’s recent actions. Just two days before the announcement, the Council condemned the alarming spike in executions in Iran, with an average of ten individuals executed weekly. Then, on November 24, 2022, the Council voted to initiate a fact-finding mission to probe the violent suppression of 2022’s nationwide protests. In December, Iran was expelled from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women due to flagrant violations of women’s rights.
Questions arose regarding the selection process for the Social Council’s chairmanship, with no other Middle Eastern nations nominated, leading to speculation about possible coercion or a policy of appeasement towards Tehran.
آسوشیتدپرس-۱۲آبان۱۴۰۲
ریاست بر جلسه تحریمی و تقریبا خالی علی بحرینی نماینده حکومت قتلعام و اعدام در کاخ ملل در ژنو
زهی بیشرمی!#نه_به_مماشات #نه_شاه_نه_شیخ #ProsecuteRaisiNOW#No2Appeasement pic.twitter.com/01Fv3zOX3s— ایران ما (@iranema2017) November 4, 2023
The IRGC-run Fars News Agency celebrated the UN’s decision, touting Iran’s “sophisticated diplomacy” in a report that underscored the absence of any requirement or obligation for Iran to be chosen over other regional groups.
European Union foreign affairs chief Joseph Borrell defended the regime’s appointment, citing adherence to UN procedures. Yet, the decision has faced widespread criticism from governments, human rights entities, and international organizations, sparking global opposition to Iran’s leadership role in a human rights forum. Despite this, the resistance did not prevent the appointment.
«Situation des droits de l’homme en Iran» avec Jean-Pierre Brard, Tahir Boumedra, @AntonioStango, @BehzadNaziri https://t.co/jChhC7nuFG
— Geneva Press Club (@genevapressclub) November 2, 2023
As the Iranian regime assumes its position at the UNHRC Social Forum today, the international community is left grappling with a profound contradiction. The very entity known for its human rights abuses is now leading a session dedicated to the advancement of those same rights.
At the Geneva Press Club, the Iranian Resistance alongside human rights activists and jurists, voiced their concerns about the regime’s new role and urged a stronger stance against its human rights violations. This unprecedented situation brings forth a crucial moment of introspection regarding our collective commitment to human rights and the principles we stand for on the world stage.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
