The United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote on a resolution criticizing Iran for widespread human rights abuses.

In a report in October, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in Iran said the Islamic republic continued to execute hundreds of people each year, and conditions were worsening in the country for religious and ethnic minorities, women, and homosexuals.

Ahmad Shaheed said more than 300 people had been reported executed in the first eight months of this year in Iran.

Iran is considered to have the world’s highest per capita use of the death penalty.

In addition to the Iran vote, the General Assembly is expected to vote on December 20 on a resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium on use of the death penalty.

Based on reporting by AFP

By RFE/RL