UNITED NATIONS: U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres dispatched a congratulatory message to Iran to commemorate the anniversary of the, an action that elicited strong criticism from anti – regime Iranian voices and human rights advocates.
As per Iranian state and regional reports published on Wednesday, in a letter addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Guterres “conveyed his warmest congratulations on the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” characterizing such anniversaries as an opportunity to contemplate a country’s journey and its contributions to the international community.
This message arrives weeks after the condemned Iran for abuses associated with a violent suppression of anti – government protests and ordered further investigation into alleged violations. Some reports cited casualty numbers that could potentially reach 30,000, pending verification.
Moreover, according to the NGO U.N. Watch, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is anticipated to address the on Feb. 23.
Against this background, critics stated that the risked sending a conflicting signal.
“The U.N. secretary – general’s congratulatory message is not just a diplomatic formality — it is extremely out of touch,” remarked Iran analyst Banafsheh Zand. “At a time when the Iranian people continue to suffer and face systemic abuse at the hands of the Islamic Republic, offering formal congratulations to those responsible for that misery is a moral failing.”
Zand further added that such actions “undermine [the U.N.’s] credibility and exacerbate the pain for those still fighting for freedom within Iran.”
Andrew Ghalili, the policy director at the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), asserted that the message was tantamount to legitimizing a repressive system.
“The United Nations is lending legitimacy to a regime built on repression, executions, and the systematic destruction of basic freedoms,” Ghalili stated. “Recognizing the Islamic Republic on the anniversary of its revolution with celebration overlooks the bloodshed, the suppression of protesters, and the ongoing hostage – taking of innocent people.”
Human rights groups have repeatedly cautioned that impunity has allowed ongoing abuses in Iran to persist, urging U.N. member states to hold those responsible accountable for what they describe as systemic violations and.
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the secretary – general, informed Digital during a press briefing that the message to Tehran was part of a long – standing U.N. protocol.
“The letter issued by the secretary – general is a standard one. Every year, each member state receives the exact same letter… congratulating them on their national holiday and sending best wishes to the people of that country.”
The spokesperson also mentioned that similar letters were sent on the same day to other countries observing national holidays and “should not be construed… as an endorsement of any policies implemented by the government.” He said the message “does not alter the secretary – general’s stance” on Iran, noting that Guterres has previously spoken out against the crackdown and violence.
Regarding reports that Iran’s foreign minister is expected to address the Human Rights Council later this month, the spokesperson said the matter is under the council’s jurisdiction.
“That is a decision of the Human Rights Council,” he said. “This is a membership organization. Every member state has the right to address legislative bodies… It is not within the secretariat’s power to prevent member states from addressing a legislative body.”