World Jewish Congress Urges United Nations to Protest Iranian Human Rights Abuses on the Anniversary of Ahmadinejad's Stolen Election

NEW YORK, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The World Jewish Congress today urged UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Navi Pillay, UNGA President Ali Abdussalam Treki, and each Permanent Representative to the UN to protest the continued human rights abuses by the radical regime in Iran. This year, as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) evaluates the human rights records of different countries in its Universal Periodic Review, the examination of Iran's record is due to conclude on Thursday, June 10. In a letter from the World Jewish Congress, the United Nations leaders were urged to call to the attention of the UNHRC and the entire international community Iran's record of harsh punishments and oppressive measures taken against dissidents and all manner of minorities.

Evelyn Sommer, Chair of World Jewish Congress-North America, said, "As the anniversary of the election stolen by the current radical regime in Iran draws near, it is incumbent upon us to remind the UNHRC and the entire United Nations that the rights of women, children, religious, ethnic and other minorities are continuously violated in Iran. One year ago, the world watched Neda Agha-Soltan perish on the streets of Tehran and was shocked and aggrieved. We must remember how those who had the courage to protest the radical extremist dictator's blatant theft of the election were brutally beaten down by the most violent means. Iran must be held accountable in the UNHRC on Thursday for its disgraceful human rights record by all governments and organizations that champion democracy, freedom and peace. On this day and on this anniversary, the international community must forcefully advocate for the people of Iran to be freed of persecution and oppression."

SOURCE World Jewish Congress