Senate Approves Resolution Urging Obama Administration to Work with UN Human Rights Council on Abuses in Iran

June 14, 2010

Today, the U.S. Senate adopted by unanimous consent a resolution (S.Res.551) that expresses concern over the June 12, 2009 presidential elections in Iran and the frequent civil rights abuses that occur in the country.  This resolution also “encourages the [U.S.] President and Secretary of State to work with the United Nations Human Rights Council to condemn the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Government of Iran and establish a monitoring mechanism by which the Council can monitor such violations”.

Just four years ago, in March of 2006, the U.S. voted against the formation of the Human Rights Council due to concerns about the influence of repressive states in the organization. However, in May of 2009 the new Obama administration ran for election and successfully obtained one of three available seats in the 47 seat council.

Senate Resolution 551 also calls for “the Government of Iran to cooperate with and allow visits of the United Nations Special Rapporteurs for Human Rights and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights”. In her March 4, 2010 annual report to the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay expressed concern about the arrests of demonstrators, activists, journalists, and political figures in Iran. She said, “Many have been given harsh sentences, including capital punishment, for their role in post-election protests after questionable trials”. She continued the report by suggesting that the Iranian “authorities allow her office to visit Iran”.

In addition, the bipartisan resolution “urges the President and Secretary of State to work with the international community to ensure that violations of human rights are part of all discussions with and regarding Iran”. It also demands the release and return of all detained and missing U.S. citizens in Iran.

Senator Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE), the lead sponsor of this resolution and two others concerning human rights abuses in Iran, stated in a June 10, 2010 speech to the National Endowment for Democracy that, “Putting Congress on record on this issue sends two strong messages.  First, it ensures that the Government of Iran knows the U.S. is watching.  We will not remain silent as the Iranian government tramples on international law protecting human rights. Second, the steady stream of resolutions sends a message to the Iranian people that the U.S. government has not forgotten their plight”.