A senior Iranian diplomat said unilateral US sanctions against developing countries violated basic human rights principles, stressing that such illegal restrictive measures constitute a crime against humanity and contradict development goals.
Iranian Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi made the remarks in a speech to the second committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which deals with global financial and economic issues, according to the website of the Iranian mission to the world body.
He described the Covid-19 pandemic as a “wake-up call for the whole world” that reminded humanity that the development, well-being and prosperity of all are interdependent.
The epidemic has also sounded the alarm on unfair, illegal and one-sided approaches taken by some countries that undermine multilateralism when it is most needed, he lamented.
“The illegitimate unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States on developing countries as well as the inaction of the international community in the face of these violations of inalienable principles of international law have transformed demands to leave no one behind into purely decorative gestures,” absurd and meaningless, ”Takht-Ravanchi said.
“Such actions violate the indisputable and fundamental principles of the human rights of nations, including the right to development, and deny governments access to executive tools for development and progress.
He noted that in the midst of the current health crisis, “unilateral enforcement action has fundamentally targeted and crippled the health systems of countries. Such an approach amounts to a crime against humanity and contradicts the objectives of development.
The Islamic Republic has redoubled its efforts to build a future full of hope and pride for its people despite American pressure, including restrictions caused by Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and its reimposition of sanctions illegal against the Iranian nation, the envoy said.
He said Iran ranked 59th out of 166 states in terms of development indicators in the 2020 Sustainable Development Report, which shows the country’s great achievements.
Despite all the challenges, Iran continues to rank among the most advanced countries in areas such as education, women’s participation in public life and biotechnology, Takht-Ravanchi said, adding that he is also became one of the global manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines.
In addition, Iran is taking strong action on climate change mitigation and adaptation, having made significant progress towards a low-carbon economy, he said.