Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
Aotearoa New Zealand is firmly committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all individuals. Human rights is a pillar of the United Nations, and we - the international community - must ensure we are fulfilling our shared obligations by holding all member states to account.
Aotearoa New Zealand consistently raises our voice against violations of human rights. It is the right thing to do.
Aotearoa New Zealand is gravely concerned by the continued violence, deaths, and deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The death of Mahsa Amini after being detained by Iranian authorities was emblematic of the worsening human rights situation that especially women and girls face in Iran.
New Zealand has been part of strong calls for independent investigations into both that death and the Iranian Government’s violent responses to subsequent protests, and we look forward to receiving the results of the upcoming UN fact finding mission.
We also condemn the recent imposition of death penalty sentences on protestors, and are deeply shocked that a protestor has been executed. We strongly oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.
We stand with the people of Iran engaging in peaceful protest and advocating for their fundamental human rights. The use of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, against women, girls, human rights defenders, or any other members of Iranian society, is unacceptable and must end immediately.
Further, we reiterate our firm belief that United Nations member states must do all that they can to protect and promote the human rights of all individuals, everywhere. This includes the right to live free from discrimination and violence, the right to freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and the right to education.
As a co-sponsor of today’s resolution, Aotearoa New Zealand strongly supports the removal of Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women.
The Commission’s mandate includes the promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and making recommendations on urgent problems requiring immediate attention. Members who have a “seat at the table” should act in accordance with this mandate.
This extraordinary action of removing membership is not taken lightly. However, having considered the issue carefully, we concluded that the current grave and deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, particularly for women and girls, warrants and necessitates removal. It is no longer appropriate for Iran to maintain its membership for the current term.
Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes this resolution as a way for the international community to support the fundamental rights of women and girls in Iran.
Thank you.