Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The question arises due to the death of Mahsa Amini which has led to widespread protests in Iran, drawing international attention.
What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the recent protests in Iran?
The death of Mahsa Amini and of all those who have lost their lives standing up to the authorities is a tragedy that shows the regime's shocking disregard for the rights of the Iranian people. We have made our views clear to Iran in the strongest possible terms. We have robustly condemned Iran's actions, including at the UN Human Rights Council, and we have sanctioned the morality police and seven other officials responsible for human rights violations.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Thousands of Iranians have been arrested for protesting, with many sentenced to death. British-Iranians in the UK are concerned about threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
What more does the IRGC have to do before we proscribe it in its entirety?
I know that my hon. Friend feels very strongly about these issues and has raised them at the highest level with FCDO Ministers. We have been clear about our concerns about the IRGC's continued destabilising activity throughout the region. The UK maintains a range of sanctions that work to constrain that destabilising activity.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the entire IRGC will be proscribed due to their actions against protesters
We Do Not Routinely Comment On Whether An Organisation Is Or Is Not Under Consideration For Proscription.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Iran Human Rights estimates over 300 people, including children, have been killed in the protests. The protesters' demands include freedom for women.
In the light of these brutal attacks, will the UK Government support measures to expel Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women?
The hon. Member has made some important points about the grassroots nature of the protests. As I have said, we are taking strong action against the Iranians, but I will raise her points specifically with Lord Ahmad, the Minister for the Middle East.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the UK will support measures to expel Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women
We Have Taken Strong Action But No Specific Commitment Provided
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Iranian refugees in the UK have shared videos of protests and testimonies about daily risks to fundamental rights.
Does the Minister accept that the UK has a responsibility to support these remarkable women, and can he explain how the UK intends to do so?
They are indeed remarkable women, and we want to underline the fact that these are grassroots protests in Iran. We have taken strong action: we have sanctioned the morality police in its entirety, as well as both its chief and the head of the Tehran division.
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Assessment & feedback
How specifically the UK intends to support Iranian refugees and asylum seekers
We Do Not Speculate On Future Sanctions Designations.
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