Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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While international attention on Iran in recent years has related primarily on the nuclear issue, the Government and the Oireachtas have also been anxious to retain a focus on the deteriorating position of human rights in that country. I have had numerous occasions to discuss these issues in the Oireachtas, in relation to such issues as the use of the death penalty, treatment of minor offenders, and oppression of religious minorities such as the Baha'i. I fully share the concerns expressed by Deputies on these and other human rights issues, including protection of human rights defenders, freedom of expression and the organisation of trade unions.

The violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations in Iran in the wake of the recent elections, and the large scale arrests of persons believed to have taken part, have only deepened those concerns.

The EU has been active both on overall human rights principles and in relation to specific cases, through public declarations, representations to the Iranian authorities, and other actions, including co-sponsorship of an annual resolution on human rights in Iran at the UN General Assembly. In some cases these have had positive results, but regrettably the Iranian authorities are increasingly reluctant even to hear criticism, internal or external.

The Government has also been active nationally. I have raised our human rights concerns directly with Foreign Minister Mottaki in September 2008, when we met at the United Nations, and in December I followed up with a detailed letter to Minister Mottaki on the range of our human rights concerns. In April I received a detailed reply, which unfortunately did not reassure me in relation to my concerns. We have also made known our concerns via the Iranian Embassy in Dublin.

The proposal referred to by the Deputy is an interesting one, which merits serious consideration. At this initial stage, I would point out however that there are already in place a number of UN human rights reporting procedures which relate to Iran. In 2010, Iran will undergo its first examination under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council. The existing UN Special Procedures and mandate holders, such as the Special Rapporteurs on the position of human rights defenders, or on freedom of religion or belief, have also included the situation in Iran in their regular reports, and some of them have made statements in relation to recent events. It should be noted that, in practice, these experts have often experienced difficulty obtaining the cooperation from the Iranian authorities to which their position entitles them.

In terms of taking this proposal forward, it will require to be examined in the first instance by the UN Secretary General who may also wish to consult and seek the views of the UN Human Rights Council.