Removal of Iran from UN Commission on Women

Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

Senator Claire Chandler, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs 

The Coalition welcomes the removal of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) from the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Claire Chandler, has led the push in Australia for Iran’s removal from the commission.

“This is a step I have campaigned for since the week of Mahsa Amini’s death, and it is very pleasing that members of the UN Economic and Social Council have made the sensible and appropriate decision to boot the IRI regime from the Commission,” Senator Chandler said.

“This is an important step in holding the IRI regime to account for its violence against and killing of women and girls, as well as its suppression of women’s rights and the human rights of all its citizens.

“The extraordinary courage of Iranians, led by Iranian women, in protesting against oppression and highlighting the regime’s crimes to the world deserves our support through tangible action.

“The IRI regime is clearly a danger to Iranian women and girls, and its actions prove it is also a danger to the rest of the world. The international community, including Australia, must continue to do more to limit its influence and threat.”

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Birmingham said it was right for Iran to be removed from the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

“For too long Iran has held this position in the commission while the world has seen the horrific treatment of Iranian women and girls.

“These platforms should reflect the bravery and courage of the women and girls fighting for basic human rights and be a voice for those who do not have one rather than a platform for their oppressors or apologists.

“We congratulate the US Government for moving the resolution for Iran’s removal from the CSW and all of the nations who voted in support of it today.

“Australia must continue to do all it can to support those brave souls in Iran and to stand consistent with other nations.”