A/HRC/14/37 519. The Democracy Coalition Project noted the Islamic Republic of Iran’s rejection of the recommendation to grant access to special procedures mandate holders. It also remarked on Iran’s refusal to abolish juvenile executions, in compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its refusal to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Hundreds of individuals remained in prison on the basis of their opinions and beliefs, continued to suffer from torture, and were denied a fair trial. It stated that human rights violations, like those that occurred after the 2009 elections, could not be condoned on the pretext of culture. It insisted that the Council establish a specific follow-up mechanism guided by paragraph 37 of resolution 5/1. 520. The International Federation for Human Rights Leagues and the Iranian League for Human Rights highlighted the fact that the universal periodic review had reflected the appalling situation of human rights in Iran. They noted the harsh repression of peaceful protests, and supported recommendations to ensure an independent investigation into the aftermath of the elections, release persons detained for peaceful demonstrations, and ensure that those responsible were held accountable. Seven special procedures mandate holders were awaiting an invitation or facilitation of their visit. They regretted that Iran had denied human rights violations during its review. They expressed concern over Iran’s rejection of 28 recommendations as being “inconsistent” with Council resolution 5/1 and/or “not internationally recognized human rights”. The recommendation referred to special procedures visits and protection of minorities, which were based on Iran’s pledges and international obligations. 521. Interfaith International, in a joint statement with Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme and the Al-Hakim Foundation, noted the considerable achievements made in the Millennium Development Goals and the positive developments in child custody, increased inheritance rights, the promotion of reproductive rights and the proportional increase in the literacy of girls. It also noted the mandatory and free education for children up to secondary school, and increased access for rural and urban dwellers to living necessities. The death penalty continued to be applied in political cases and disproportionately affected religious minorities. Interfaith thus urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure that all minorities could exercise their rights free from discrimination and persecution, and to promote freedom of association, freedom of the media and increased political participation, particularly of minority groups. 522. The Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims stated that the promotion of human rights was a gradual process, and that there were areas where the Islamic Republic of Iran must work hard. Nevertheless, progress should not be ignored. In recent years, important developments had been seen in child custody, increased inheritance rights and the equality of women. An increase in literacy and higher education of girls was reflected in the fact that 68 per cent of the university population were girls, the increasing presence of women in politics and a change in society’s view of women’s capacities. It viewed cultural, ethnic and religious diversity in Iran as an example of tolerance. It also pointed out that talking about prisoners’ statistics without context was not logical. 523. The Child Foundation, in a joint statement with the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, noted that the sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran prevented business transactions with the country and had led to a complete ban on the sales of planes to Iranian airliners. It also noted that, in the past seven years, almost 23 per cent of the victims of air disasters were Iranians. It also considered that the Iranian pharmaceutical industry was indirectly subjected to the exposure of international sanctions against the country. It called upon the United Nations to take measures to remove the sanctions and to use negotiation and diplomacy, since sanctions against countries can have a negative impact on basic human rights. 126 GE.12-17781