A/HRC/43/2 voluntary commitments and its replies to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group, and which were presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary (see also A/HRC/43/IRN/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 589. The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that the current international climate characterized by greed, egotism, unilateralism, xenophobia and self-centred whims was hostile to nurturing genuine human solidarity to protect human rights. In this regard, it highlighted that the Islamic Republic of Iran was struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and that the capacity of the country had been weakened by the United States of America unilateral sanctions. It also emphasized that the Human Rights Council should not ignore this situation as such unilateral sanctions were affecting the fundamental rights of the whole population. 590. The delegation also expressed concern about human rights being increasingly abused as an instrument for political purposes and geographical gains. 591. Against this background, the universal periodic review mechanism has become more important, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran pays great importance and has been actively participating and cooperating with since its establishment. 592. The delegation stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran for its third cycle review had received 329 recommendations, which had been carefully examined with the participation of all related institutions and civil society. After extensive consultation and consideration of national laws and international commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran had accepted 188 recommendations in whole or partially. It did not accept 123 recommendations, and noted 18 recommendations because they were to be in contradiction of the country’s Constitution and laws or in violation of the Islamic values, cultural norms and principles recognized under international human rights law. 593. The delegation stressed that based on the Constitution, the Islamic Republic of Iran was a religious democracy. The promotion of human rights is a fundamental principle in the country. In the past four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran had had tremendous achievements in different domains such as boosting democratic institutions, and civil, political rights, education, poverty eradication, women and children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities and health and sanitation. 594. The delegation also noted that the country has always tried to develop its cooperation with OHCHR and with treaty bodies. It also had cooperated constructively with special procedures and mandate holders of the Human Right Council. Furthermore, it had been engaged in bilateral dialogues with interested countries, aimed at promoting and protecting human rights. 595. In relation to the subject of the right to life, the delegation made it clear that, based on domestic law and international commitments, deprivation of life was only considered for most serious crimes. As such, the Islamic Republic of Iran had amended its national law on the punishment of narcotics drug traffickers in 2017, which led to a 90 per cent reduction in the death penalty. 596. With regard to a number of recommendations related to the rights of children, the delegation stated that the Bill on the Protection of Children and Adolescents was adopted in August 2018 along with other important enforced or ongoing measures, which constituted an important step towards protection of children. The delegation cited as another human rights improvement that child offenders would be held only in the Center for Correction and 94