US allies nominate Iran for UN human rights committee despite mass executions

The committee’s upcoming agenda includes issues such as terrorism, women’s rights and gender equality, and disarmament.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iran is set to take its place as a member of a 54-nation committee to safeguard human rights, despite the Islamic Republic’s mass execution of protesters.

Iran will join the UN’s Committee for Programme and Coordination after being selected by the body’s Economic and Social Council, which comprises 54 nations.

Many countries, including the UK, Australia, France and Canada, nominated Iran to join the committee.

The only country to vote against the nomination was the US.

The committee’s upcoming agenda includes issues such as terrorism, women’s rights and gender equality, and disarmament.

Iran’s selection comes as its authorities continue a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent.

On January 8 and 9, security forces opened fire on nationwide demonstrations, killing tens of thousands of protesters.

Estimates place the death toll between about 12,000 and more than 30,000 people over those two days.

The government has continued its campaign in the months since, carrying out arrests and executions and enforcing restrictions on women’s rights. Authorities have maintained policies that limit basic freedoms and suppress opposition activity.

Tehran has also been cited for its role in funding major terror organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, even as it prepares to participate in discussions that include counterterrorism.

The Economic and Social Council’s decision places Iran on a committee tasked with coordinating UN programs, including those tied to human rights-related issues.

Iran’s inclusion alongside countries such as the UK, Australia, France and Canada drew opposition from the United States, which was the only member to vote against the nomination.

The UN’s Committee for Programme and Coordination is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council that reviews and coordinates the United Nations’ work programs.

It examines planning, budgeting, and implementation of UN activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and advising on how resources are allocated across different global initiatives.