India aligns with Russia and China in voting against the United Nations resolution on Iran human rights

India, along with Russia and China, voted against a UN resolution on Iran’s human rights, despite support from 78 members. The resolution expressed concern about violations, especially religious freedom denial and targeted hardships for the Baha’i community. The 30 opposing states, including India, showcased differing views on Iran’s human rights, reflecting varied assessments.

On the same day, India abstained from voting on a UN resolution on the “situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine”. Joining 79 other nations, it refrained from taking a stance, while 78 countries supported the resolution. 15 UN member states opposed it, revealing varied global perspectives on the issue.

On December 19, both resolutions on Iran’s human rights were put to a vote in the UN General Assembly.

The resolution on Iran “expresses serious concern” over a litany of human rights violations in Iran – including the denial of the freedom of religion or belief. The text specifically highlights that Baha’is “in particular” are subject to “undue restrictions on burials carried out in accordance with religious tenets, attacks against places… and other human rights violations,” which include “increased harassment, intimidation, persecution , arbitrary arrest and detention” and incitement to hatred through official and unofficial media that potentially “lead to violence”.

In response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani criticized the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, alleging that it is based on blatant double standards.

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