New Democrats welcome UN investigation into Iranian regime, calls for justice for all Iranians fighting for their freedoms

NDP Foreign Affairs Critic, MP Heather McPherson, made the following statement:

“New Democrats welcome the new decision by the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish an investigation into the Iranian government’s suppression of mass protests. Since the horrific murder of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini eleven weeks ago, an estimated 300 people have been killed and 14,000 arrested, including human rights defenders, journalists, students, and lawyers. Many are facing charges with lengthy prison sentences – and some are even facing the death penalty.

We commend the bravery of Iranians who are fighting for themselves and for generations to come. The world must not tolerate the Iranian government’s brutal targeting of those who are simply demanding their freedom. After meeting with many members of the Iranian Canadian community, we will continue to engage and support the community as they organize across the country and around the world. New Democrats supported the move by the federal government to make members of the regime and murderous top members of the IRGC inadmissible to Canada, and we support stronger sanctions – including the use of Magnitsky sanctions – on Iranian officials for their participation in human rights violations and state-sponsored terrorism.

Yet we are deeply concerned about Canada’s poor record on sanctions investigation and enforcement, and have urged the federal government to devote more resources to ensure our sanctions are actually effective. We need transparency and timelines for enforcement. It is unacceptable for Iran to continue to train and assist Russian forces in their illegal war in Ukraine, and families of the victims of the downed Ukrainian flight PS752 deserve justice.

On Friday, the House of Commons Sub-committee on Human Rights began its study on the Rights and Freedoms of Women, including in Iran – and we look forward to hearing from Iranian women, whose counsel must lead Canada to take stronger action on this urgent issue. New Democrats support the removal of Iran from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and we’ll continue to push the federal government to support the rights of women in Iran and around the world. The federal government must employ every tool at its disposal, including sanctions and coordinated diplomacy with the global community, to ensure an end to the Iranian regime’s abuse of human rights. All those fleeing violence should be able to seek asylum here in Canada.

We stand with the people of Iran as they bravely fight to live in freedom, with full respect of their human rights.

Woman, Life, Freedom.”