20th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

 Working Group of UN Human Rights Council.

(27 October -7 November 2014)

UPR of Iran - INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE

(Friday, 31 October 2014; 09:00-12:30 hrs)

INTERVENTION BY INDIA

Mr. President,

1. India warmly welcomes the delegation of Iran and thanks the delegation for its presentation.

2. We commend the progress made by Iran since its first UPR. Iran’s legislative reforms including the law on protection of children and adolescents without parental care, law on provision of staples for vulnerable sections of society are notable. Equally praiseworthy are the establishment of new mechanisms to enhance protection for women, children, ethnic and religious minorities.

3. We welcome Iran’s cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms particularly its invitation to the High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the country. We recommend that Iran continue its cooperation with the OHCHR and explore new avenues for human rights cooperation.

4. We would like to offer the following additional recommendations for the consideration of Iran;

• Continue to expand its health insurance coverage to all citizens including those in rural areas.
• Consolidate the progress made towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in the improvement of human development indicators.
• Develop training programs for the youth so as to improve their access to the labour market.

We wish Iran the very best.

I thank you.

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