Iran’s Foreign Ministry says the latest UN human rights vote against the Islamic Republic is “politically motivated” and “counterproductive.”

On March 28, the UN Human Rights Council renewed the mission of its human rights rapporteur for Iran, Ahmad Shaheed, with 21 votes in favour, nine against and 16 abstentions. This is the fourth year Shaheed is being charged with the task of investigating Iran’s human rights performance.

In his latest report, Shaheed acknowledges some “positive” actions being taken by the Rohani administration but maintains that violations of fundamental citizen rights persist, particularly with regard to women, civil activists and religious minorities.

Marzieh Afkham the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, says the supporters of the UN resolution disregard “the improving human rights trends in Iran” and remain silent in the face of the most blatant human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

Radio Zamaneh