HRC 51st Session. General Debate Under Item 8
JOINT STATEMENT
Equal condition and human rights of women: The death of Mahsa Amini
Mr. President,
I deliver this statement on behalf of Spain, my own country Chile and a cross regional group of countries.
Almost 30 years after the adoption of the Vienna Declaration, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment made at that time by the international community to achieve the full respect of the equal condition and human rights of women.
In this context, we are deeply concerned and saddened by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after her arrest for allegedly failing to comply with Iran’s rules by wearing what was perceived as “improper hijab”.
We join our voice to those of the Acting High Commissioner, UN Women and the Special Rapporteurs who have condemned the use of physical violence against women and the denial of human dignity when enforcing any policy contrary to the human rights of women and girls.
We urge the Iranian authorities to refrain from a disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters who were exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of opinion and expression requesting that violence and discrimination against women be put to an end. All the serious allegations must be thoroughly investigated.
We call on Iranian authorities to align its legislation to international human rights standards.
We urge Iran to conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into Ms. Amini’s death, in order to determine the corresponding responsibilities and provide access to justice and truth to Ms. Amini and her family. In this respect, we take note of the declaration made by the President of Iran and expect that, in accordance with the commitment that he expressed, justice be done.
Thank you.