Iran Human Rights and Other International Obligations 2023-01-31
2023-01-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
In response to ongoing protests in Iran, the questioner highlights severe human rights abuses and violations of international obligations.
What diplomatic steps are being taken to encourage the Iranian Government to comply with its (a) human rights and (b) other obligations under international law?
Since October 2022, the UK has implemented 50 new sanctions for human rights violations in Iran. I have summoned Iran's most senior diplomat five times to highlight our opposition to their actions. We expelled Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women and will continue efforts to hold the Iranian regime accountable.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner refers to the government's provision of emergency funding for the BBC World Service in Ukraine last year, asking whether similar support will be provided to BBC Persian Radio.
Will the Secretary of State commit to providing similar funding to BBC Persian radio to save it from closure at the moment when it is most needed?
Funding arrangements are shared between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and DCMS. I have discussed with the BBC leadership about maintaining foreign language services, including BBC Persian. The Government supports independent voices in Iran.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment to providing funding
Funding Arrangements
Ultimately Decisions For The Bbc
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner lists several serious human rights violations in Iran, including executions and arrests, urging the Government to make clear positions regarding sanctions, international court referrals, and proscription of the IRGC.
Is it not time that the Government made it clear to the Iranian regime that (1) we will not negotiate any deals with them to lift sanctions; (2) we will refer members of the regime to the International Court of Justice; (3) we will proscribe the IRGC?
We have sanctioned entities and individuals in response to death penalties handed out by the regime. We work with international partners to hold those involved in atrocities accountable.
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Assessment & feedback
specific actions on non-negotiation, referral to ICJ, proscription of IRGC
Sanctions
Accountability Measures
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises concerns about security threats to the UK embassy in Iran, including recent attacks and executions of protesters.
Will my right hon. Friend examine the security for our embassy over there, encourage our nationals to leave Iran as quickly as possible, close our embassy down, and close down the Iranian embassy in London and all the other facilities it runs?
I have expressed condolences to Azerbaijan over an attack, spoken with our ambassador about security concerns. I believe maintaining our embassy is important for protecting interests; we closely monitor the security of those working there.
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Assessment & feedback
closing embassies and facilities
Diplomatic Relations
Security Measures
Response accuracy