A/HRC/14/37 Iran’s intention to promote cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Iran had further consolidated relations by planning and conducting meetings and direct contacts with OHCHR. The Islamic Republic of Iran would accordingly prepare and draw up relevant mechanisms for interaction with special procedures. 502. The Islamic Republic of Iran viewed the universal periodic review as a forum for dialogue, cooperation and positive-minded engagement characterized by impartiality, constructiveness and accountability. A number of recommendations could not enjoy Iranian support owing to their contradiction with these principles. 503. The delegation concluded by emphasizing the significance of an interactive and cooperative approach in the promotion and protection of human rights as provided for by the Charter of the United Nations. In this sense, it looked forward to continuing close cooperation with the Council to realize the shared objectives of attaining greater global justice, equity, security and development through human rights for all. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 504. The United States of America stressed that the arrest of religious minorities had increased and seven Baha'i leaders were on trial for crimes against the State. It noted that Iran had rejected the recommendations to end discrimination against the Baha'i, and that no visits by special procedures had been made since 2006. It acknowledged Iran’s acceptance of many recommendation and called for their implementation. It recalled that 12 June would mark the anniversary of Iran’s contested presidential election and regretted the violent response against thousands of Iranians who had exercised their right to peaceful free expression. It urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to uphold its international commitments. 505. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed surprise that the Islamic Republic of Iran had rejected its recommendation to ensure that allegations of abuse, including those following the June 2009 protests, were fully investigated. It stated that, given Iran’s confidence in its judiciary process and its rejection of torture, there could be no reason for rejecting recommendations to facilitate outstanding visit requests of the special rapporteurs on torture and on the independence of judges and lawyers. It noted the ongoing reports of discriminatory practices in Iran, notably against the Baha'i. The United Kingdom urged Iran to end juvenile executions, beginning by an immediate stay of them. 506. Norway noted that, if it had been able to speak during the review of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Working Group session, it would have expressed concerns over freedom of expression, association and assembly, harassment against human rights defenders, and excessive use of force after the 2009 elections. Norway welcomed Iran’s acceptance of a number of recommendations, but disagreed that those rejected were inconsistent with Council resolution 5/1 and/or internationally recognized human rights. Norway could not accept the refusal to invite the Special Rapporteur on torture, since the prohibition against torture was absolute and Iran had issued a standing invitation. It called on Iran to implement its human rights commitments and obligations. 507. Kuwait noted that human rights were an area constantly being strengthened in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Kuwait also noted the progress made as part of the universal periodic review process and the cooperation with human rights mechanisms with a view to meeting all the challenges facing Iran in economic, social and cultural rights, as well as in civil and political rights. Iran’s standing invitation to special rapporteurs to visit the country was a good initiative. Kuwait welcomed Iran’s acceptance of recommendations, particularly those concerning pursuing its efforts to improve policies and programmes in favour of the rights of women and young girls and protection of the rights of children, including disabled children. GE.12-17781 123