THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR’S MANDATE WAS RENEWED FOR ONE MORE YEAR

Iran Human Rights, March 22: The Human Rights Council has extended the mandate for another year. A resolution extending the mandate was adopted by 22 in favour, 5 against (Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Qatar and Russia) and 20 abstentions. The resolution was introduced by Sweden, while Cuba called for a vote. Last year, the voting breakdown were 22 yes, 7 no and 14 abstentions, which indicate a decrease in the number of yes vote but an increase in the number of abstentions. Ecuador that voted against the resolution last year, abstained this year.

Several civil society organizations including Iran Human Rights and more than 30 international organizations had previously called for a renewal of the Special Reporter’s mandate.