Letter from the Government of Ireland Regarding Human Rights Violations in Iran
Following the International activities of the Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran for Condemnation and Political Sanctions on the Islamic Republic by Governments and International Organizations, a letter was sent to European countries by the Campaign to Free Political Prisoners.
The Letter:
Dear Ms. Mahbobi,
On behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., I would like to thank you for your letter of 14 December 2020, expressing your concern over executions taking place in Iran.
Ireland is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances, and endorses the statement on behalf of the EU condemning the execution of Ruhollah Zam:
Ireland has made our opposition to the use of the death penalty clear to the Iranian authorities on many occasions, including in a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to Dublin on 2 December.
Ireland has also made our position clear publicly in appropriate international fora. At the 45th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in September, Ireland co-signed a Joint Statement which expressed deep concern at the continuing human rights violations in Iran, making particular reference to Iran’s ill-treatment of detainees and use of the death penalty. The statement also states clearly that “we reiterate our opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, and urge Iran to enact a moratorium.”
Ireland will continue to raise human rights issues with Iran at every suitable opportunity, including in our direct contacts with Iranian officials, in contributing to EU policy on Iran, and in international fora such as the UN General Assembly and the HRC.
Yours sincerely,
Nora Delaney
Private Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs
