Iran's Reports in the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and Key Points of...

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process is a mechanism established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to monitor the human rights situation in various countries. This process is carried out regularly for each UN member state every four and a half years, with the goal of raising global awareness of human rights and encouraging member states to improve human rights conditions within their own territories. On January 24, 2025, the Islamic Republic of Iran presented its fourth national report under the framework of the UPR process to the UN Human Rights Council, discussing the country’s achievements, challenges, and future plans in the field of human rights. These reports are divided into three main sections: the government’s report, which highlights achievements and challenges; the UN bodies’ report, which provides international assessments; and the report from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which offers criticisms and recommendations.
During this session, various representatives from Iran discussed the country’s achievements and efforts in different human rights areas:

• Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy for Legal and International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: He emphasized that the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran do not reflect the actual human rights realities in the country, asserting that Iran remains committed to its international obligations in this regard.

• Fatemeh Fatemi, Director-General for International Affairs at the Vice Presidency for Women and Family: She referred to the inhumane and unjust sanctions, stating that Iranian women, despite these restrictions, continue to grow and prosper, actively participating in various social and economic sectors.

• Sharly Anvay Tekyeh, Representative of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament): He stated that in Iran, all individuals enjoy equal rights and access to resources, and religious minorities fully benefit from religious freedoms and civic rights.

• Mohammad Baqer Zeynivand, Deputy Minister of the Interior for Political Affairs: He noted that Iran has established an innovative and progressive model of a free and inclusive electoral system, ensuring broad popular participation in political processes.

• Abbas Moqaddai, Member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and Member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission: He pointed to Iran’s significant role in the region and its commitment to human rights principles in both domestic and foreign policies, stressing that Iran is always striving to enhance peace and stability in the region.

• Ali Mozaffari, Deputy for Legal Affairs at the Judiciary: He elaborated on the human rights activities within the judiciary, stating that 42% of cases entering the judiciary are resolved through reconciliation, demonstrating a focus on peaceful dispute resolution.

• Mahmoud Jalalian, Deputy for Human Rights and International Affairs at the Ministry of Justice: He reported on legal and executive achievements in the area of children's rights in Iran, mentioning ongoing programs and policies designed to protect children and ensure their rights.

• Mohammad Reza Norouzpour, Deputy for Media and Public Relations at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance: He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the right to freedom of expression and access to information, and has undertaken extensive efforts to facilitate access to information and create an appropriate environment for media activities.

In this session, representatives from 93 countries also presented their views on the strengths and weaknesses of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The summary of this session will be presented in a comprehensive report at the upcoming Human Rights Council meeting, categorized with the suggestions provided to Iran. After presenting Iran’s views, as well as those from both supportive and opposing states, and various human rights NGOs, the report will be put to a vote in the Council. If approved, it will serve as a roadmap for Iran’s implementation of its international human rights obligations for the next four and a half years.