Sunday, July 5, 2009

ACLJ and ECLJ Urge Action on Iran Oppression

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) in Washington - with its international affiliate, The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) - has urged the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations to pressure Iran to comply with international human rights law. The action follows the Iranian government's violent response to citizens who are calling for freedom and the imprisonment of at least 40 journalists.

ACLJ and ECLJ chief counsel, Jay Sekulow said, "The violent, deadly actions of the repressive regime in Iran clearly violate international law and show a flagrant disregard for the basic human rights of its citizens... As the world watches this struggle for freedom unfold, we're calling on the United Nations to take action and apply pressure to Iran to comply with international human rights law. This abuse of fundamental human rights cannot be ignored. The United Nations has a responsibility to member nations who respect and cherish human rights. The Iranian government must be held accountable."

The ACLJ and ECLJ sent a letter urging action against the Iranian government to the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The letter exhorted the body "to take all actions within your authority to pressure Iran to comply with international human rights law."

You can read the letter here: http://www.aclj.org/media/pdf/LettertoUN.pdf.

Visit the ACLJ website here to read more.

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