New UN human rights expert on Iran seeks cooperation and dialogue with Government

GENEVA (6 August 2018) – The new UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Javaid Rehman, has reached out to the Iranian Government with a view to seeking its cooperation with his mandate in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution
37/30.

“I look forward to constructive engagement with the Iranian authorities and hope to create a space for informed and open dialogue with the authorities,” Rehman said.

The Special Rapporteur also added that he will seek to build on previous engagement between his predecessor, the late Asma Jahangir, and the authorities on the full compliance of the State with its international human rights obligations. Rehman said he had already received a number of reports raising concerns about alleged violations of human rights in the country.

“I have written to the Iranian authorities to introduce myself and express my interest in visiting the country in order to obtain a better understanding of the human rights situation in the country,” he said.

In addition to engaging with the Iranian authorities, the Special Rapporteur will also work with civil society and human rights defenders, in accordance with the code of conduct for Special Procedures mandate holders.

“I intend to clearly set out some of the measures that the Iranian authorities have taken and can further take with respect to the human rights situation in the country, and to also draw attention to the voices of the victims of alleged violations in line with my mandate,” he said.