TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy for human rights and international affairs at the Department of Justice is addressing the harmful effects of unjust sanctions on Iran’s efforts to advance children’s rights.
Askar Jalalian presented Iran’s fourth report on children’s rights at the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva on Thursday.
Hararian began by reaffirming that the protection and promotion of children’s rights is a central principle of Iran’s legal system.
“Respecting children’s rights is not just a legal obligation, but a value deeply embedded in our system,” Jalarian said.
One of the key highlights of his presentation was the recent adoption of the Law on the Protection of Children and Youth. He called it a milestone in the country’s efforts to protect vulnerable youth. This law, together with the enforcement regulations currently in development, lays the foundation for improving child welfare and protecting children’s rights at the national level.
Furthermore, Jalarian pointed out that the Ministry of Justice had been designated as the national authority to oversee the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Iran. This role involves coordinating efforts across various sectors, both governmental and non-governmental, to ensure compliance with international standards.
He explained that the Ministry had established a comprehensive structure to support the implementation of the provisions of the Convention, including the establishment of expert committees in each province of the country. These committees, in collaboration with the National Council, are tasked with overseeing the implementation of child protection policies and ensuring that children’s rights are upheld in all corners of the country.
Despite these significant advances, Hararian highlighted the challenges facing Iran, particularly the negative impact of unjust international sanctions on its ability to fully support and advance children’s rights. He expressed concern about the impediment to Iran’s ability to provide critical services and support to children, especially in areas such as education, health care and social services, which are critical to the well-being of the country’s youth.
In conclusion, while recognizing the progress made, Jalarian calls for international cooperation and understanding to ensure that Iran can better meet its obligations and ensure a brighter and more secure future for all children in the country. urged to cancel.