A/HRC/14/12 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 18. During the interactive dialogue, 53 delegations made statements. Additional statements that could not be delivered during the dialogue owing to time constraints are posted on the extranet of the universal periodic review when available. A number of delegations thanked Iran for its national report and its presentation. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 19. The United States expressed concern at the human rights situation, including detentions following the 2009 elections; restrictions on freedom of expression; the situation of detainees, including foreign nationals and United States citizens; and violations of religious freedom. It made reference to the situation facing Shi’a and Baha’i, as well as Sufi Muslims. 20. Canada noted that education and welfare programmes had improved living standards. It was seriously concerned about the deterioration in the human rights situation and violent crackdowns by security forces, especially since the 2009 elections. Peaceful public demonstrations had been met with repression, including arbitrary arrest, detention without due process, ill treatment and torture, deaths in custody, and restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. 21. France expressed concern at the fact that the human rights situation had deteriorated over the previous eight months and at the repression of people peacefully exercising their rights. It noted that dozens had been killed and thousands imprisoned since the elections, also noting reports of torture and rape. Concern was expressed at the increase in the number of executions. 22. Slovenia cited the situation of writers and journalists in jail and the conditions facing ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Baha’i, and asked if Iran intended to prevent the further harassment and intimidation of Baha’i, particularly children. It condemned the increasing recourse to death sentences and executions in connection with the post-election protests. 23. Israel noted Iran’s large-scale and escalating attacks on Iranian citizens. It noted that women, minorities and their defenders were being discriminated against. It noted that there was no freedom of expression, assembly or religion. Israel added that the Council’s work on Iran ought to go beyond the present review. 24. Australia was concerned at the use of capital punishment, including stoning, particularly for juveniles, and at the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, especially the adherents of the Baha’i faith and its detained leaders, whose trials had recently begun. Concern was also expressed at the suppression of peaceful demonstrations after the elections and at the impact on freedom of expression, association and assembly, as well as at the reported arbitrary arrest, detention and torture of protesters. 25. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted Iran’s stated commitment to safeguarding human rights. It expressed concern at the deterioration in the human rights situation since the elections, condemned abuses by security officials and pointed to evidence of civilian deaths and reports of the rape, ill treatment and torture of detainees. 26. Nicaragua highlighted the contributions that Iranian civilization had made to human culture. It noted the achievements of the Iranian Revolution and progress made, as well as the country’s adherence to several human rights treaties. It stated that historical, cultural and religious particularities should be taken into account during the present review, especially the fact that Iran must respect Islamic Shari’a law. 5