Iran’s Threats Against Israel & Holocaust Denial

Thank you Mr. President,

Yesterday, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran presented his report before this Council. Unfortunately, we were not able to take the floor then, and so we take the opportunity to present our views in this General Debate.

The World Jewish Congress welcomes the publication of the report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It demonstrates once again that those suffering in Iran are countless: the Report lists political activists, human rights defenders, students, women, and religious or gender and sexual minority groups as prime victims of the regime. The work of UN bodies and representatives, together with that of NGOs, present further examples of the abuses of human rights in a country that deserves better. We strongly believe that a nation, which has contributed greatly to the advancement of ancient civilization and beyond, needs to make sure its present and future are free of religious extremism and autocracy.

It comes as no surprise that a regime that so bluntly violates the rights of its own citizens should also disrespect the rights and freedom of other nations. It remains unacceptable that Iran, as a member State of the United Nations, continues to regularly threaten the existence of the State of Israel. Iran continues to develop and test ballistic missiles, finances and supports terrorism, be it Hezbollah or other groups operating in the Middle East, and uses proxies to advance its violent aspirations.

Further, our organization adds its voice to those strongly condemning the institutionalized Holocaust Denial by the Islamic Republic of Iran as a cheap ploy that is offensive to the memory of the victims and something that all national and faith leaders should condemn. We are dismayed that yet another morally obscene cartoon competition mocking the Holocaust will be hosted in Iran this June. We should also remind ourselves of the AMIA bombing that occurred a decade ago, resulting in numerous deaths, without holding Iran accountable for this loss of life.

It is clear that holding Iran responsible for its repeated human rights violations should help to ensure the protection of its people suffering from oppression. We therefore urge the Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year.