U.N. General Assembly Criticizes Iran On Human Rights

The United Nations’ General Assembly has voted by a narrow margin to criticize the human rights situation in Iran. The General Assembly, which groups all 191 U.N. member states, approved the resolution 71 to 54, with 55 abstentions, on Monday. General Assembly resolutions have no legal force but are seen as reflecting international opinion. The resolution spoke of "serious concern" over a long list of rights abuses in Iran, including public executions, torture, arbitrary sentencing and systematic discrimination against women. It said there was a "worsening situation" in regards to free speech and media. It also noted discrimination against members of minority religions, and the disqualification of reformists in parliamentary elections earlier this year. The measure was sponsored by Canada, whose relations with Iran have been strained since Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi died while in custody in Iran last year, and backed by 33 other nations including the United States.