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