Iran's Statement on Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights Alexandra Xanthaki

Despite the undeniable and ever-expanding role of science in todays world some countries continue to deprive other countries of the benefits of science through unilateral coercive measures. In reality they undermine their inherent right to it.

Statement

By

 

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran  

 

Before

The Human Rights Council

55th Session  

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki

Geneva, 07 March 2024

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Mr. President, 

My delegation takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur.

We concur with you, Madam Special Rapporteur, that "science has had a transformative effect on efforts to address complex and interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges for people and the planet, including poverty, access to health and education, natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, land degradation, climate change, natural and human-made disasters, and spiraling conflicts and related humanitarian crises."

Despite the undeniable and ever-expanding role of science in today's world, some countries continue to deprive other countries of the benefits of science through unilateral coercive measures. In reality, they undermine their inherent right to it. 

Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs) have significant impacts on the right to participate in science for individuals and countries targeted by, inter alia, hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals and the realization of the right to development, restricted access to technology and equipment, reduced funding and collaboration, diminished educational opportunities, environmental consequences, stifled innovation, and progress.

These impacts not only affect the scientific community but also have broader implications for public health, environmental stewardship, innovation, and the overall progress of humanity.

Madam Special Rapporteur, in your opinion how do unilateral coercive measures affect the ability of individuals and institutions in sanctioned countries to access scientific resources and technologies?

I thank you, Mr. President.