The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution criticizing Iran for serious rights violations including torture and its “alarming” and frequent use of the death penalty.

The resolution also welcomes human rights pledges by Iran’s new president, Hassan Rohani, such as eliminating discrimination against women and members of ethnic minorities.

But the resolution criticizes Iran’s use of “inhuman” punishments, including flogging and amputations, and its use of the death penalty against young people under the age of 18.

The UN vote on December 18 was 86 to 36, with 61 countries abstaining.

An Iranian delegate told General Assembly members before the vote that the resolution does not reflect the actual situation inside Iran and that it would be counterproductive.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
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