Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ali BAHREINI before 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda item: ID on the comprehensive report of the HC on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Statement
by
H.E. Ambassador Ali BAHREINI
Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
before
62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda item: ID on the comprehensive report of the HC on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Geneva, 26 June 2026
*****
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Mr. President,
Before turning to the substance of our statement, we wish to express our deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity with the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake. At this moment of profound human suffering, it is imperative that the international community stand united in ensuring the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance and refrain from any action that could further aggravate the hardships faced by the affected population.
In this regard, the recent tragedy once again underscores the grave humanitarian consequences of unilateral coercive measures. Such measures undermine the capacity of affected States to effectively prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters by restricting access to financial resources, essential goods, technology and critical infrastructure.
We remain deeply concerned that, notwithstanding the existence of humanitarian exemptions, over-compliance, financial de-risking, banking restrictions and the fear of secondary sanctions continue to impede the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance. As a result, access to medicines, medical equipment, emergency relief items and other essential goods is often delayed or disrupted, exacerbating the suffering of civilian populations at times of greatest vulnerability.
We therefore reiterate the need to ensure that humanitarian assistance is delivered promptly, impartially and without impediment, and that no unilateral coercive measure prevents affected populations from enjoying their fundamental human rights, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.
Thank you.
---