U.S. slams Iran's record on women's rights
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. slams Iran's record on women's rights, 11 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565b9e732.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 11, 2015
The United States has criticized Iran's record on women's rights at a United Nations body.
Iran was elected to the board of UN Women on April 10 with 36 of 53 possible votes.
The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, said the low vote total reflected "deep concerns" UN members have about Iran joining the board of UN Women, created in 2010 to push for gender equality and empowerment of women.
"In Iran, women are legally barred from holding some government positions, there are no laws against domestic violence, and adultery is punishable by stoning, making it wholly inappropriate that Iran assume a leadership role on women's rights and welfare at the UN," Power said.
Power said she was "extremely disappointed" that the Asia-Pacific group had endorsed Iran's candidacy for the three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2016.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Based on reporting by Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
