Statement on UNFPA’s Country Program Document for Iran

Thank you Chair.

I deliver this statement of behalf of Canada and the United States of America.

We remain committed to constructive engagement within the multilateral system, including as a steadfast partner with UNFPA.

While we strongly support UNFPA’s work to alleviate sufferings around the world, we are concerned that UNFPA’s 2023-2027 CPD for Iran is flawed and could jeopardize the effectiveness of country-level UN programs.

We are gravely concerned by the use of sham trials by Iranian authorities, the use of forced confessions to hand out disproportionate sentences – including the death penalty. This is appalling as it follows the Iranian regime’s brutal suppression of dissent and peaceful protests led, in large part, by the women and youth of Iran.

We will continue to amplify the voices of the people of Iran work with allies and partners to promote accountability for the Iranian regime’s violence against its own population, particularly its youth.

We urge UN leadership and UN Funds and Programs:

• To ensure Resident Coordinators work closely with the UN Country Team to develop CPDs that respect and protect the human rights of all women and girls; and
• To find creative solutions in instances where CPDs have the potential to risk donor funding and undermine UN reform, and UN principles and values.

To close, we will continue to pursue options to promote accountability for the Iranian regime, at the United Nations and through other multilateral fora. We stand ready to engage in further dialogue to ensure that the UN development system lives up to its founding principles.

We thank UNFPA leadership and staff for their efforts to address our concerns.

Thank you.

Original source can be found here