Iranian News Agency (IRNA) published a report about Asma Jahangir,
the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the
Islamic Republic of Iran, alleging that she planned a visit to Saudi Arabia,
with the intention of defaming the authorities in Tehran. IRNA’s report also
alleged that Ms. Jahangir was carrying out the mission on behalf of military
interests.
TheSpecial Rapporteur has denounced, condemned, and vehemently denied the news
item. “I am appalled by this fabricated and malicious news story which is
clearly aimed at compromising my integrity and independence, both of which are
recognized internationally,” said Ms. Jahangir. She continued, “Anyone who has
a substantive disagreement with a Special Rapporteur’s assessment can always
express their doubts. However, it is unacceptable for mandate holders to be
subjected to defamation campaigns when discharging their duties, which are
established by the United Nations Human Rights Council.”
The
campaigns of vilification will not put her on the defensive, nor compromise her
independence in reporting the challenges faced by Iranians with regard to their
rights, dignity and freedoms, the Special Rapporteur said. “These accusations
unfortunately reinforce the assessment I made in myfirst report to the UN
Human Rights Council about the climate of fear which exists in Iran, where
similar methods are used to silence those expressing dissenting opinions,” she
added.
In
September 2016, Ms. Jahangir who resides in Pakistan, was designated as the Special Rapporteur on the situation
of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Human Rights
Council. Ms. Jahangir was elected President of the Supreme Court Bar
Association of Pakistan, as well as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission
of Pakistan. She is recognized both nationally and internationally for her
contribution to the cause of human rights, and is the recipient of major human
rights awards. She had done extensive work for women’s rights, protection of
religious minorities, and for the elimination of bonded labour. She is a former
Special Rapporteur on summary executions, and on freedom of religion.
The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council is the
largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, and the
Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of Special Procedures. It is
the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring
mechanisms, and addresses both country specific situations and thematic issues
all across the world. Special Procedures’ experts are not UN staff and do not
receive a salary for their work. They work on a voluntary basis. They are
independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual
capacity.
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