A/HRC/40/24 diversion, dam construction and drying marshes for oil exploration. 86 The SecretaryGeneral recalls that Iranians have a right to adequate safe and accessible water, as well as to an environment that ensures the highest standards of health. In its comments, the Government noted its significant financial investment to reduce the effects of dust in Khuzestan Province in recent years. 35. The adoption of secondary sanctions targeted at third parties affects trade originating from other countries that are engaged in trade or investment in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Moreover, by preventing financial transfers to the Islamic Republic of Iran, secondary sanctions are likely to hinder the production, availability and distribution of essential medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies, which could potentially increase mortality rates. In September 2018, 87 the Iranian Pharmaceutical Industries Syndicate emphasized that while the country produced 96 per cent of its medicines, it imported more than half of the raw materials required for their production. According to members of the Parliament’s Health Commission, the Islamic Republic of Iran was short of 80 pharmaceutical items 88 and hospitals were experiencing shortages of medicines, medical equipment and consumer goods.89 Arrests and detention of environmentalists 36. The Secretary-General is concerned by reports of intimidation, arrest and detention of environmentalists. Reports received indicate that since March 2018, 43 environmentalists have been arrested, only 8 of whom have been released. As of December 2018, the fate and whereabouts of the other detained environmentalists was unknown.90 37. In January, the head of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Kavous Seyed Emami, was arrested with eight members of the organization. They were accused of gathering classified information under the guise of environmental projects. Mr. Seyed Emami later died in custody and his wife is subjected to a travel ban. On 21 February, several special procedure mandate holders publicly expressed concerns regarding his death and the arrest of other environmental human rights defenders. 91 The Government has not yet provided information indicating whether an impartial and independent investigation has been conducted into the circumstances of Mr. Seyed Emami’s death. In its comments, the Government stated that the investigation and forensic examination had confirmed suicide as the cause of death. 38. According to statements, including from Iranian officials, 92 the government committee investigating the activities of the detained environmentalists concluded it could not find any evidence of spying. On 24 October, however, the Prosecutor of Tehran confirmed they had been indicted on the charge of “corruption on earth”, a crime punishable by the death penalty. Reports received by OHCHR indicate that the defendants have been denied access to a lawyer of their choosing, as well as regular contact with their families, and have been deprived of access to medical care. D. Rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to privacy 39. The Government has repeatedly stated the importance of information and communications technology and of infrastructure development, in particular to enhance access to information and bridge the technology gap in regard to rural areas. The SecretaryGeneral welcomes as a positive step the adoption of regulations relating to the 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 10 See www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2015/apr/16/iran-khuzestan-environment-wetlands-dustpollution. See http://fna.ir/a0ws79. See www.isna.ir/news/97061105121/. See www.ilna.ir/fa/tiny/news-673055. See www.iranhumanrights.org/2018/05/dozens-of-environmentalists-arrested-in-southern-iran-inwidening-crackdown/. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22697&LangID=E. See www.isna.ir/news/97030100242/.