WANA (Mar 11) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has strongly criticized Western nations and the United States for their approach to human rights, accusing them of hypocrisy and using sanctions as a tool of political pressure.

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of an exhibition showcasing Iranian women’s achievements in Tehran, Gharibabadi challenged Western countries’ human rights concerns, stating: “If you truly care about the rights of the Iranian people, why impose unilateral sanctions that endanger the lives of millions of innocent people?”

 

Human Rights: A Political Tool?

Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran is committed to promoting human rights, rooted in its religious and constitutional principles. He recalled that the 1979 Islamic Revolution was aimed at ending dictatorship, noting that before the revolution, Iran lacked free elections, independent media, and meaningful public participation, particularly for women.

 

However, he accused Western nations of politicizing human rights, pointing out their previous support for Iran’s pre-revolution dictatorship while now criticizing the Islamic Republic.

 

“Before the revolution, these so-called defenders of human rights had no objections to the dictatorship in Iran. Yet after the revolution, despite our commitment to human rights, they launched political campaigns accusing us of violations,” he said.

 

He further pointed to the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza, which he described as “massacres of over 50,000 innocent people, mostly women and children,” accusing Western nations of turning a blind eye while providing Israel with military, financial, and political support.

 

Iran: A Victim of Terrorism

Gharibabadi also highlighted Iran’s experience as a victim of terrorism, stating that more than 23,000 Iranian men, women, and children have been killed by terrorist groups. “Where are these terrorists now?” he asked. “They are living safely in Western countries, the same countries that claim to champion human rights.”

 

He criticized these nations for providing a safe haven to terrorist groups while simultaneously accusing Iran of human rights violations. “They tell us we are violating human rights, yet they shelter those who have murdered our people. What kind of human rights are they talking about?” he added.

 

Sanctions: A Violation of Iranian Human Rights

Gharibabadi argued that the countries imposing sanctions on Iran are the true violators of Iranian human rights. “The very governments that pass resolutions against Iran in the Human Rights Council are the same ones enforcing unilateral sanctions that harm our people,” he said. He questioned their motives: “If they truly care about Iranians, why impose sanctions that threaten their lives?”

 

“We Will Not Surrender Under Pressure”

Reiterating Iran’s stance on independence, Gharibabadi dismissed any expectation that the Iranian people would submit to Western pressure. “Iran has a civilization spanning 7,000 years. Do you think a nation with such history and strong religious values will surrender to coercion, threats, and sanctions? Never.”

 

He also urged foreign diplomats in Tehran to report the realities of Iran to their governments. “You are here. You see Iranian women actively participating in society. If you deny this, it is unfair. Should we take human rights lessons from those who violate Iranian rights through sanctions?”

 

Global Awareness and Changing Narratives

According to Gharibabadi, the world is awakening to the reality of human rights politics. He noted that public opinion, even in Western countries, is shifting, as seen in widespread protests against government policies supporting Israel.

 

“Before the Gaza massacre, these nations might have positioned themselves as leaders in human rights, but not anymore. The world sees through their double standards,” he concluded.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, at the opening ceremony of an exhibition showcasing Iranian women’s achievements in Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency