A/HRC/14/12 same infrastructure for growth, projects aimed at job creation, providing health services, education and housing, and promoting the civil and political rights of ethnic communities had been developed to improve economic, social and cultural indicators in less developed areas. 9. With regard to the challenges facing Iran, the delegation stated that its human rights situation had consistently been used by some Western countries to apply political pressure and advance ulterior political motives. Terrorism supported by foreign countries constituted a serious problem. Following the invasion of its neighbouring countries, the presence and operations of terrorist groups in Iran’s border areas had increased considerably, and terrorist groups had killed, threatened or abducted thousands of ordinary citizens and had proceeded to plunder public and private property. 10. The delegation added that, after the invasion of Afghanistan by coalition forces, narcotic drug production and trafficking had drastically increased, posing a serious security and health threat. It expressed regret at the fact that the country’s efforts to prevent drug trafficking had not received recognition or financial or technical support. 11. The delegation also underlined the negative impact on the realization of all aspects of human rights of unilateral and coercive as well as international sanctions, imposed by certain Western countries and the Security Council, respectively. 12. The Iranian delegation stressed its continuous and full cooperation with OHCHR and the extension of a standing invitation to all thematic special procedures. Several Special Rapporteurs had visited the country, with further visits under consideration. Iran had made thorough and timely responses to communications by mandate holders. Reports to several treaty bodies had been submitted in a timely manner, and concluding observations had been disseminated. 13. The Islamic Republic of Iran highlighted the contributions it had made in human rights forums, including to standard-setting and literature, and emphasized the significance of an interactive and cooperative approach and the avoidance of confrontation, double standards and politicization. 14. The delegation underscored Iran’s contribution to three General Assembly resolutions, entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”, “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures” and “Human rights and cultural diversity”. 15. Similarly, the 2007 Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity and the establishment of the Centre for Human Rights and Cultural Diversity had created a framework for promoting respect for cultural diversity and institutionalizing intercultural dialogue on human rights. 16. On the national level, the delegation cited the role of the Iranian parliament in promoting human rights through legislation and the establishment of new programmes. It also cited the human rights structures of parliament as described in Iran’s national report. Among the issues addressed by recent legislative acts of parliament, the delegation cited, inter alia, citizenship rights; the rights of women and children, religious and ethnic minorities and disabled persons; freedom of expression; human trafficking; and social security. Programmes and laws currently under consideration were related to issues including the protection of children, young adults and victims of crime, judicial reform and criminal law reform. 17. The delegation also noted that women held eight parliamentary seats and that two vice-presidents, several presidential advisers, one minister and several deputy ministers were female. 4