Third Committee, 54th plenary meeting – General Assembly, 79th session

Ms. Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri
Deputy Permanent Representative
CR1, United Nations, New York
November 20th 2024

DURING THE  THIRD COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE 79^TH SESSION OF THE  UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 EXPLANATION OF VOTE AFTER THE VOTE ON THE DRAFT RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

I thank you for giving me the floor, Mr. Chair.

Ghana has this year, once again, abstained in the vote relating to the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have done so on the basis of the assurances given by the brotherly Government of Iran of the progress being made on its international obligations with respect to the human rights of its people and our expectation that, in due time, those assurances would translate into tangible protection for all segments of the Iranian society, including the adherents of the Bahá’í faith who continue to report adversely on the promotion and protection of their rights.

Ghana strongly supports intergovernmental engagements and constructive dialogue to foster mutual understanding, respect, and adherence to universally recognized human rights. Our position is guided by our longstanding commitment to the principles of universality, objectivity, impartiality, and non-selectivity in the consideration of human rights issues. We believe that meaningful progress in human rights can be achieved if we prioritize trust building with all stakeholders, especially the country-concerned on the basis of partnership and shared responsibility.

It is against this background that Ghana is concerned about the persisting disagreements regarding the effectiveness of country-specific mandates adopted without the agreement of the countries-concerned, as mandate holders do not receive the necessary cooperation and support.

We stress the importance of addressing these concerns in the light of the need to ensure an inclusive approach to safeguarding and promoting human rights.

It is the expectation of Ghana that, as in the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran, all UN member states would continue to uphold their international obligations. As Iran demonstrates its willingness to cooperate with UN mechanisms, especially the Universal Periodic Review and Treaty bodies, we encourage the authorities to foster a civil and political environment where every citizen can actively participate in the political, social and cultural life of the country. We underscore the importance of upholding the rights and freedoms of all individuals, especially women and religious minorities, including the need to respect freedom of religion and belief and the value of protecting the rights of all communities in a manner that ensures fair treatment and inclusivity.

I wish to conclude by stating that Ghana’s decision to abstain from the vote does not contrast with our avowed commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. Our conviction is that at this crucial time, it is vital that we preserve the space for genuine dialogue with Iran rather than confrontation. I thank you.