A/HRC/14/12 61. Chile expressed concern about the situation concerning respect for human rights in Iran, particularly the events following the recent electoral process. It was alarmed at the excessive use of force against demonstrators. It also expressed concern about the application of the death penalty. 62. The Russian Federation noted Iran’s international cooperation on human rights, particularly in the Council. It stated that Iran’s intention to develop a strategic national action plan on human rights and to establish a national human rights institution should be supported. Progress in fighting illiteracy was also acknowledged. 63. Concerning questions regarding the rights of religious minorities, the delegation noted, citing constitutional provisions, that there was no discriminatory approach in the laws and policies of Iran. The recognized religious minorities were fully free to practice their faiths, to conduct their education and to own numerous sacred places and cemeteries. 64. Numerous actions had been taken to increase the participation of religious minorities in various socio-political arenas and decision-making processes, including through the election of representatives in parliament. Religious minorities were present in town and village councils, benefiting from Government financial assistance. They also published media, owned schools, cultural centres and sacred places, and were active in various professions in the economic field, as well as in civil society. Twenty-seven churches were registered on Iran’s national heritage list, and the ancient sacred Tatavoos Church had been nominated for registration on the world heritage list. 65. The delegation also highlighted the significant advancement of Iranian women since the Islamic Revolution, as a result of strategic national polices and programmes for their economic, social and cultural development. It referred to statistics related to improvements in women’s literacy, such as in the fields of higher education, life expectancy, employment and professional life, including the academic, Government, judicial and civil society arenas, as detailed in Iran’s national report. It also cited the codification of the “women human rights and responsibilities charter,” based on the three pillars of spirituality, justice and security and within the framework of religion and national principles. Legislative achievements regarding women’s rights and family issues, including laws to combat human trafficking, forced marriage and slavery, were also highlighted. 66. The delegation noted that children had no criminal responsibility in the judicial system of Iran. 67. The Syrian Arab Republic highlighted Iran’s role in enriching human civilization. It noted that the 1980 constitution consolidated human rights as a basic principle, as reflected in numerous laws adopted by parliament. It referred to acknowledgements by the SecretaryGeneral and international organizations such as UNICEF of improvements in the living standards of Iran’s population, in particular in terms of life expectancy, child mortality reduction and reproductive health care. It noted that Iran hosted a substantial refugee population. 68. Armenia acknowledged Iran’s contributions to the dialogue among civilizations, noting its policy of supporting and developing cultural diversity. It stressed that political representation and the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of recognized religious minorities, particularly Armenians, had introduced important standards into the region. It expressed appreciation for measures aimed at the realization of Armenian minority rights, including through the annual allocation of considerable budgetary resources. It praised the protection of Armenian Christian cultural monuments in Iran. 69. Austria noted Iranian laws guaranteeing due process and banning torture. However, it cited reports concerning a high number of illegal arrests, incommunicado detention and torture, rape and murder by security officials, and inquired about the Government’s plans to 10