Iran parliament set to ban entry of UN Special Rapporteur on Iran

On June 17, the UN Human Rights Council appointed former Maldivian foreign minister Ahmed Shaheed as Special Rapporteur on human rights situation in Iran. 

On March 24, 2011, the UN Human Rights Council voted to appoint a special rapporteur to look into the situation in Iran. 

In a U.S.-backed resolution adopted with 22 votes in favor, seven against and 14 abstentions, the 47-member council said the rapporteur would report to both the council and to the General Assembly. 

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Abedi said during the most recent meeting of the committee, it was emphasized that this person should not be allowed to enter the country. 

Abedi, deputy chairperson of the Majlis Human Rights Committee, also said that the United States, Britain, and the Zionist regime are the greatest violators of human rights, and it would be better if the UN look into their human rights cases. 

In addition, he pointed to the UN Fact Finding Mission’s report on war crimes committed by Israel during its 2008-2009 military offensive in Gaza, saying the UN failed to deal with the Zionist regime. 

The Iranian lawmaker also said that the United States and Britain have dark human rights record as well. 

MP Zohreh Elahian also said that Iran will not allow the UN Special Rapporteur to carry out his mission in the country. 

Elahian, chairperson of the Majlis Human Rights Committee, made the remarks during a speech at the open session of the Majlis on Sunday. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran full well knows the hidden agenda behind the human rights resolution that were adopted against it and will not bow to political pressure being exerted by certain other countries, she stated. 

Elahian also said Iran has respect for the appointed rapporteur, who is a Muslim, but Iran is ready to welcome him as a touris