ECLJ Calls on United Nations to Take Action to Pressure Iran to Comply with International Human Rights Law

The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) – today urged the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations to pressure Iran to comply with international human rights law following the government’s violent and deadly response to Iranian citizens who are calling for freedom.

“The violent, deadly actions of the repressive regime in Iran clearly violate international law and show a flagrant disregard for the basic human rights of its citizens,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ECLJ.  “As the world watches this struggle for freedom unfold, we’re calling on the United Nations to take action and apply pressure to Iran to comply with international human rights law.  This abuse of fundamental human rights cannot be ignored.  The United Nations has a responsibility to member nations who respect and cherish human rights.  The Iranian government must be held accountable.”

The ECLJ today sent a letter urging action against the Iranian government to the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland urging the body “to take all actions within your authority to pressure Iran to comply with international human rights law.”

You can read the letter here.

In its request for action, the ECLJ cites specific examples on how Iran has violated the internationally recognized standards for human rights set forth by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Iran unequivocally and voluntarily ratified.

The letter cites the deadly violence used by the Iranian government against its citizens saying “the use of force to intimidate the public and stifle peaceful demonstrations is an affront to basic human rights.”

The ECLJ notes that both the UDHR and ICCPR protect the civil, political, and basic human rights of individuals regardless of their political opinion and calls on Iran government to conduct fair elections and protect the integrity of the voting process.  Further, the letter asserts that Iran’s media crackdown – barring access to the world’s news media – also violates international law, which recognizes that “the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas” may be exercised through any media.

The European Centre for Law and Justice is based in Strasbourg, France.