Politicization undermines the credibility of the UN Human Rights Council

Nasser Seraj, Deputy for International Affairs of the Judiciary, stressed the importance of cooperation within the framework of the Asian group, highlighting the cultural, civilizational, and historical commonalities among Asian countries, and expressed hope for closer relations among its members.

He pointed out that Iran has been under international human rights scrutiny for more than four decades due to the policies of a small group of Western countries, emphasizing that this level of monitoring—which includes a country rapporteur and fact-finding mechanisms—does not correspond with realities inside Iran, and that Iran by no means deserves to be subjected to such oversight.

The Secretary of the High Council for Human Rights noted: “The reality is that no country can claim to have a flawless human rights situation, as all face challenges and obstacles. In Iran, however, all policymaking, legislation, and regulations are determined by considering three main factors: social values, public demands, and the international commitments accepted by the government, alongside political, economic, social, and cultural priorities. In this process, human rights principles and values are also taken into account.”

He added that the Human Rights Council could become a stronger body if it distanced itself from politicization, double standards, and geopolitical disputes—stressing that the role of the Asia-Pacific group and its members is vital in achieving such change.

Seraj noted that the Council currently focuses most of its oversight on Asian and African countries, stating: “In Asia, we need to be more united and cohesive, and prevent politicization and double standards within the Council.”

Pointing to the Council’s contradictory behavior, he said: “The Zionist regime has brazenly attacked eight countries in the region, yet the Human Rights Council has not given an appropriate response. But for a single incident in Iran, the Council convened a special session, passed resolutions, and created a monitoring mechanism. Is this not politicization? Is this not a double standard?”

He continued: “Where else in the world are such atrocities happening as those being committed in Palestine and Gaza by the Zionist regime?”

Addressing the participants, he asked: “How can we remain hopeful about the future of this Council when there is no clear prospect of it moving away from politicization and double standards?”

Seraj stressed: “In Asia, we have ancient cultures and civilizations. Should our resistance to cultural invasion and our defense of our values be met with sanctions and attacks? Undoubtedly, silence from any of us will harm us all.”

He called on the Council and its members, especially the Asia-Pacific group, to help preserve the credibility, independence, and professionalism of the Human Rights Council and to strengthen it.

Seraj also emphasized that cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries, due to their many shared characteristics, can play a decisive role in promoting impartiality and steering the Council away from politicization.

It is noteworthy that in this meeting, ambassadors from several Asia-Pacific member states also delivered remarks, underlining the need for greater cooperation among Asian countries to improve conditions and counter measures that lead to politicization in the Human Rights Council.

The meeting also condemned the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran’s territory and violation of its national sovereignty.