Envoy hails Iranian women empowering despite US sanctions

The Islamic Republic’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations, Majid Takht-Ravanchi made the remarks during a United Nations Security Council meeting addressing the issue of women, peace, and security on Tuesday.

The envoy reminded how the bans not only violated the international law, but also breached the basic rights of women and girls, especially their right to development.

“However, the Islamic Republic has made significant progress in enablement of women and girls, especially in the field of education,” he said.

The United States reimposed the sanctions in 2018 after illegally and unilaterally leaving a 2015 deal between Iran and P5+1 group of countries.

Washington has refused to lift the bans, even in the case of foodstuffs and medicine, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“The Islamic Republic attaches much importance to the women’s role in socioeconomic development and the Iranian society’s sociopolitical life,” the envoy stated.

Takht-Ravanchi, meanwhile, touched on the situation of women in West Asia, expressing dismay over the destructive effects of occupation and foreign intervention, as well as terrorist activities targeting girls and women in the region.

He said the oldest case for such impairment would be the Palestinian women, who continued to suffer the consequences of decades of Israeli occupation and human rights violations.

“In disputes and conflicts, efforts should be focused on addressing the root causes of violence against women,” the Iranian official said.