Tehran: The High Council for Human Rights in Iran has issued a stark warning, stating that human dignity is facing unprecedented threats in today’s world. The council attributes this peril to the unprincipled policies and positions of nations that claim to uphold human rights, highlighting the growing dangers to global peace from Western hegemony, including conflicts, sanctions, terrorism support, and climate crises.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the council released a statement on Tuesday to commemorate Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day. The statement expressed concerns about the impact of Western policies, including the support for Israeli actions in Gaza, which the council claims erodes fundamental human rights principles. The statement emphasized the need for a fair international system that respects human rights as universal values rather than political tools.
The council’s statement coincides with the anniversary of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, adopted in 1990 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states. The declaration promotes a vision of human rights informed by Islamic civilization and challenges Western human rights paradigms. Iran proposed recognizing this date as “Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day” in 2008, reflecting a desire to uphold cultural identity and faith-based governance among Muslim nations.
The council’s statement also criticized Western governments, particularly the United States, for supporting Israeli actions in Gaza. It highlighted the humanitarian toll of these actions, including the deaths of thousands of civilians, including women and children, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. The statement called out Western hypocrisy, pointing to the support of Israeli leaders accused of war crimes and violations of international law.
Furthermore, the council condemned the imposition of Western secular values under the guise of human rights, noting the rise of Islamophobia and hate speech against Muslims. It argued that these actions threaten peace, security, and coexistence among nations and religious communities.
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Muslim nations and freedom-seeking peoples worldwide, urging them to stand together in support of Palestine and against shared threats. The council emphasized the importance of solidarity, as exemplified by the Cairo Declaration, in empowering the Islamic community and regional nations.