Iran is struck from the UN Women’s Rights Commission – Historical Decision

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This Wednesday the United Nations made history when it announced Iran had been voted out of the Women’s Rights Commission on account of its government’s deplorable and criminal behaviour towards protesters. Since Iranians rose in denunciation of the regime in September, incensed by the death of young Mahsa Amini by the hands of the morality police over the mis-wear of the headscarf, the Islamic Republic has been marred by violence, unlawful arrests, and public executions.

Over the past three months the regime’s security apparatus has ramped up violence against protesters, resorting to appalling methods of repression to consolidate its hold on power – from systematic torture to mass imprisonment and rape, the Islamic Republic has displayed a taste for blood of such magnitude that the international community had to intervene – albeit meekly.

Underwritten by an ideology which considers women to be tradable commodities, objects to be owned, disposed of and discarded at will, the Islamic Republic has long held an appalling track record when it comes to women’s rights. Needless to say that the decision in 2022 to elect Iran as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women was vehemently criticised by activists, and Iranians alike.

While many will rejoice at the UN’s decision, serious questions ought still to be answered as to why Iran was ever allowed to hold such a position at the UN – making a mockery of a body whose purpose is to empower women.

The 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution on Wednesday to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the remainder of its four-year term ending in 2026.

The resolution which was introduced by the United States, received 29 votes in favour and eight against, with 16 countries abstaining.

The document expressed serious concern over the Iranian Government’s actions since September 2022 “to continuously undermine and increasingly suppress the human rights of women and girls”, and “often with the use of excessive force”.

HJS



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