Geneva: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has strongly criticized the self-styled advocates of human rights, accusing them of encroaching upon the rights of the Iranian nation through the imposition of sanctions. These remarks were made during a meeting in Geneva, held at Iran's initiative with the participation of countries under UN human rights political mechanisms.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Gharibabadi expressed Iran's concerns over double standards, selective approaches, and the political exploitation of human rights. He asserted that the self-proclaimed defenders of human rights have created numerous challenges for Iran by supporting terrorists and imposing sanctions, which he views as a blatant infringement on Iranian rights. He criticized these entities for accusing Tehran of human rights violations and using political mechanisms to increase pressure on Iran.

Gharibabadi highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy, noting the lack of action against the Zionist regime despite the massacre of thousands in Gaza, while Iran faces accusations and sanctions. He described the imposition of unjust human rights mechanisms on developing countries as an intervention in their internal affairs and a violation of sovereignty. He further stated that the so-called advocates of human rights are themselves guilty of violating the rights of their own people and those of other nations.

During the meeting, ambassadors voiced concern over the abuse of human rights, criticizing current monitoring mechanisms as ineffective and politicized. They agreed to coordinate efforts in the upcoming Human Rights Council session in March to confront these politicized approaches and to present a unified stance on their positions.