NEW YORK, 14 DECEMBER – Italy, together with all of the EU Member States, voted today in favor of the removal of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the remainder of its four-year term ending in 2026 in response to the violent repression of the pacific demonstrations demanding freedom from violence and discrimination to the Teheran regime.
The 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution introduced by the United States. The proposal, adopted with 29 votes in favor, 8 against and 16 abstentions, came in the wake of the country’s brutal crackdown on protests calling for justice for Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody in September. The document expressed serious concern over the Iranian Government’s actions since September 2022 “to continuously undermine and increasingly suppress the human rights of women and girls”, and “often with the use of excessive force”.
Before the voting started, Russia asked for a consultation on the legality of the resolution to the UN Office of Legal Affairs. The consultation was denied according to the UN rules, which require such request to be presented at least 24 hour prior to voting.
During the explanation of vote, the EU underlined the “exceptionality” of the situation, justified by “the seriousness of the human rights situation in Iran”. Reaffirming the “full and unwavering” support for the aspirations of the women and girls of Iran for a future where their human rights are fully respected, the EU cited the “widespread, brutal and disproportionate use of force by the Iranian authorities against peaceful protesters, including women and girls who are playing a leading role in this movement”.
Condemning “in the strongest possible terms” the executions of 23-year old Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard in relation to protests, the EU called for those responsible for the death of Mahsa Jina Amini to be held accountable. It also reaffirmed its firm opposition to the use of death penalty and asked to Iran authorities to stop carrying out any future executions.
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1946, and has become instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Its 45 members are elected by ECOSOC, based on equitable geographical distribution, and serve for four years.
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