Statement By Mr. Mehdi Aliabadi Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran   Before The Human Rights Council 49th Session Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the independent international fact-finding mission to investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment since 2014 in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela   Geneva, 18 March 2022 بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم   Mr. President, The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates the need for this Council to fulfil its mandate of promotion and protection of human rights on the basis of dialogue and cooperation; Country specific mandates that lack the concerned States' consent will only be a venue for confrontation and stigmatization. Mr. President, Venezuela's serious and fruitful cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner in accordance with the arrangement agreed between the government and the Office should be appreciated. The negative impacts of US's sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights must not be underestimated or ignored.  It is overly hypocritical to preach respect for human rights while continuing to unleash the most savage sanctions and restrictive measures against Venezuelan people. In fact, the main cause of displacement of Venezuelan people is the economic hardship caused by the sweeping senseless sanctions that were applied in order to change the governing system of the country. The Venezuelan people should be applauded for their resilience against these unlawful pressure campaign and the culprits should be held accountable. I thank you, Mr. President,