Argentina to Speak Out on Human Rights in Iran during the UN

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000092 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM UN UNHRC IR AR SUBJECT: Argentina to Speak Out on Human Rights in Iran during the UN Universal Periodic Review Session REF: STATE 7242 ¶1. (SBU) On January 26, poloff delivered reftel demarche to the Human Rights division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina. The GOA shared aspects of its carefully-crafted recommendations and questions to be presented to Iran during the UN Human Rights Council's (HRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR),and confirmed Argentine support for the U.S. recommendations to Iran. ¶2. (SBU) Argentina's submission will feature questions on gender equality and anti-discrimination, and the administration of the death penalty. Specifically, Argentina will ask: -- What methods have been adopted to improve the judicial and social position of women in Iranian society?; and -- What methods have the Government of Iran adopted to reduce, and in the case of minors abolish, the application of the death penalty? ¶3. (SBU) Argentina will submit recommendations to Iran regarding: the death penalty; legal reform of penal law to bring Iran's laws in line with international human rights standards; forced disappearances; children's rights and countering sexual slavery; persecution, mass detention, and illegitimate privation of freedom of opposition leaders and NGO members; and ratification of treaties against torture and discrimination against women. ¶4. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was well-aware of the UPR opportunity at the UNHRC, and has passed very clear and detailed instructions to its mission in Geneva. The Argentines frequently share USG views on Iran and seek to play a positive role on improving human rights conditions there. MARTINEZ