Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Iran

UN Committee Chides Iran Over Rights Record

18 November 2005 -- A United Nations committee today passed a resolution expressing concern about human rights violations in Iran.

Jailed Journalist Wins Freedom Award

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November 18, 2005

The resolution, proposed by Canada, demands that Iran stop executing people under 18 years old and intimidating defense lawyers, among other things.

It passed by a vote of 77 to 51, with 46 countries abstaining.

Canadian UN ambassador Alan Rock said after the vote that "a strong message" should be sent to Iran that its human rights record and "practices are unacceptable."

The resolution had 45 co-sponsors, including the United States and Australia.

Iran tried to block the resolution through a procedural motion that would have killed discussion on it during this session of the General Assembly, which lasts through next summer. But that motion was defeated 70 to 77, with 23 abstentions.

(AP)

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