PRESS RELEASE : UK statement at the UN vote on ending Iran’s membership on the Commission on the Status of Women [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 14 December 2022.

Ambassador Barbara Woodward delivered a statement to the UN Economic and Social Council.

Madam President, thank you.

The death of Mahsa Amini was a shocking reminder of the repression facing women and girls in Iran. Since her death, the Iranian people’s message has been clear: they will no longer tolerate violence and oppression at the hands of their own government.

The people of Iran demand that women and girls’ rights be respected, and so do we.

That’s why the UK will vote in favour of the resolution to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women.

Let me expand on that in three points:

First, the Commission on the Status of Women is the world’s main body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality. In recent weeks, Iran has tightened its oppression of women and girls. Its actions are inconsistent with the objectives of the Commission and are incompatible with membership.

Second, the severity of Iran’s brutal and disproportionate state-sponsored use of force against protesters calling for “Woman, Life, Freedom” over the past several weeks have appalled the world. Here at the UN, we cannot sit by and allow the violence that led to the arrest and death of Mahsa Amini to continue with impunity.

Third, instead of engaging with the international community, the Iranian government has responded by deepening its violent oppression. 350 people have died, including over 60 children; 14,000 people have been arrested; and Iran has begun executing people for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

So we urge every ECOSOC member to vote yes on this resolution: vote yes to remove Iran from CSW, vote yes to ensure accountability for Iran’s actions, and vote yes to support women and girls – like Mahsa – in Iran. The UK will vote in solidarity with them.

Thank you.