Iran Human Rights Abuses 2023-05-02
2023-05-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Human rights abuses in Iran have been escalating, prompting international concern.
What diplomatic steps is the government taking to help tackle human rights abuses in Iran? Human rights issues remain a critical concern with recent protests and crackdowns. More than 70 new sanctions were announced, but there are calls for more action from parliamentarians.
We raise violations at all appropriate opportunities and via our embassy. We have announced more than 70 new sanctions in response to recent crackdowns on protests, and we continue to work with partners to hold Iran accountable at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Vahid Beheshti is on a 69-day hunger strike, supported by cross-party parliamentarians to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) due to its human rights abuses.
Does the Foreign Secretary acknowledge the urgency of proscribing the IRGC? The IRGC has been responsible for over 582 executions last year and chemical attacks on girls' schools. Vahid Beheshti is in a dangerous hunger strike and was recently supported by 125 cross-party parliamentarians.
Mr Beheshti has met ministerial colleagues. We worry about his health and urge him to stop his hunger strike. The UK responded to Iran's unacceptable behaviour by sanctioning the IRGC entirely and certain leaders specifically, keeping options under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging urgency of proscription
Keeping Options Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN special rapporteur highlighted human rights abuses by Iran globally, including proscription of the Revolutionary Guards for condemning Iranian actions.
Why will the Government not proscribe the revolutionary guards? The report highlights similar abusive activities across the world, including here in Britain. People want this now.
We do not discuss future proscriptions. The FCDO works closely with the Home Office on such decisions, keeping options under review to take action in best interests of British nationals' safety and improving Iran's human rights record.
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Assessment & feedback
Decision-making process for proscription
Keeping Options Under Review
Response accuracy