On 31 March 2011, the UN Human Rights Committee (Committee) will consider Iran’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as part of the Committee’s 101st session in New York (11 March – 1 April 2011).

In anticipation of this review, on 1 December 2010 KHRP provided a submission with a list of issues to the Committee, to be considered in connection with the Committee’s examination of Iran’s Third Periodic Report on the ICCPR.  Signatory States to the ICCPR must report to the Committee on a regular basis.  These reports, along with submissions from other stakeholders such as NGOs and civil society representatives, inform the Committee’s assessment of each state’s compliance with the ICCPR and help determine its concerns and recommendations to these states.

KHRP highlights current issues in Iran concerning the right to life, freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to liberty and security of person, freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to a fair and public hearing, the right to freedom of expression, and the rights of minorities.  KHRP notes the widespread contravention of such rights and freedoms in Iran, particularly as against journalists, activists, teachers and students from ethnic minorities.

KHRP Managing Director, Rachel Bernu, said: ‘As shown by KHRP’s submission, Iran must make a genuine commitment to improving its compliance with the ICCPR and take steps to prevent human rights abuses as well as ensure the provision of support and redress for victims of violations.’

KHRP’s submission is available to download from our website here, and more information on the 101st session of the Committee can be found on the website for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights here.