A/HRC/14/12
had reflected that nature in its national legislation. It commended Iran’s efforts to enshrine
Islamic values in human rights conventions.
79.
Romania noted the concern of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion at the
deteriorating situation for religious minorities, the indication by the Committee on the
Rights of the Child that Baha’i were being harassed, intimidated and imprisoned, and the
Secretary-General’s observation of increased violence targeting Baha’i, the denial of access
to education and the confiscation and destruction of their community property. It noted
recent reports of human rights violations against religious minorities and human rights
defenders. It asked about measures to prevent persecution and discrimination on religious
grounds.
80.
China noted the constitutional human rights guarantees and the existence of human
rights institutions in all legislative, judicial and administrative departments. The TwentyYear Vision Strategic Plan for development and other policies and measures had resulted in
progress in employment, health, education and social security, it added. China welcomed
Iran’s commitment to advocating a human rights dialogue and cooperation, and its efforts
to promote cultural diversity. China acknowledged that Iran was a developing country
facing difficulties and challenges. It noted the objective of eradicating illiteracy by 2014.
81.
Zimbabwe expressed concern at the politicization of Iran’s review. It recognized the
country’s achievements in science and technology, culture, politics, economics and
international cooperation as testimony to Iran’s commitment to human rights. Zimbabwe
noted that Iran continued to face challenges.
82.
Viet Nam acknowledged efforts to protect and promote fundamental rights and
freedoms and to promote economic development. It commended the adoption of laws and
policies and the establishment of mechanisms in those fields. It noted the adoption of the
Twenty-Year Vision Strategic Plan for development, which had contributed to job creation,
improved health care and services for urban and rural populations.
83.
Kuwait welcomed Iran’s initiatives in the area of economic and social rights, in
particular to combat illiteracy, and the work done to support disadvantaged segments of the
population.
84.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia highlighted the Constitution, adopted through
referendum in 1980, and its chapter entitled “The rights of the people”. It recognized the
fact that the Majlis, elected by direct vote, had a Human Rights Committee and was
becoming more inclusive, with women and representatives of religious minorities. Bolivia
encouraged Iran to continue to include more women in that body. It highlighted Iran’s
commitment to the Civil Code amendment, allowing widows to inherit. It encouraged Iran
to continue to work to eradicate discrimination.
85.
The head of Iran’s delegation stated that he had been a political dissident under the
Shah, a regime that had enjoyed the support of many countries today accusing Iran. He
noted that Iran was becoming one of the prominent democratic States in the region. While
cooperation and dialogue were appreciated, double standards and political incentives were
noted.
86.
In response to invitations recently extended, the High Commissioner would visit
Iran in 2011, he said. A standing invitation had also been extended to Special Rapporteurs.
In terms of technical cooperation, an agenda had been approved.
87.
The swift closure, based on existing legal procedures, of the Kahrizak detention
centre after the discovery of wrongdoing was emphasized and compared with the situation
in other countries. While wrongdoing occurred in Iran as in all States, including with regard
to violence against women, the issue should be whether it was a policy of the State. In
Islamic States, including Iran, women are very much respected, he noted.
12
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