Iran's foreign minister arrived in Geneva on Sunday to address the UN's Human Rights Council and participate in the disarmament conference amid the regime's ongoing repression back home.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's being given a platform amid the worst rights abuses since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979, has led to criticism of the rights body with many activists boycotting events for which he is scheduled to attend, and calling for those attending to leave on his planned address.
Ladan Boroumand, an Iranian human rights activist and co-founder of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation, said, "You can't stand still and listen to [the] torrents of lies he will unleash to fill [the] UN Human Rights' Council with an abominable alternative reality."
Iranian rights activist Nazanin Boniadi also urged US officials to boycott the session.
Iran is one of the few countries worldwide for which the UN Human Rights Council has appointed a special rapporteur. However, in November, widespread criticism ensued when the presidency of the two-day UN Human Rights Council Social Forum was handed over to the ambassador of Iran.
Iran has a history marred by severe human rights violations including crackdowns on political dissent, arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions. Religious and ethnic minorities, as well as women and LGBTQ+ people, face ongoing discrimination and persecution.
Freedom of expression and assembly are heavily restricted, with journalists, activists, and peaceful protestors frequently targeted. The regime's use of force to suppress protests and dissent has led to hundreds of deaths and injuries.
