US sanctions against Iran are contributing to environmental damage in Iran by preventing its residents from fulfilling their right to health and life. The UN human rights experts said so in a statement issued in Geneva on Tuesday.
US sanctions not only prevent the Iranian government from effectively addressing issues related to improving the environment, but also "contribute to exacerbating problems," the experts said. They recalled Iran's high morbidity and mortality rate from respiratory diseases related to air pollution. "US sanctions are forcing people to prolong usage of older, less fuel-efficient cars and making it impossible for Iran to purchase equipment and technology to reduce automobile emissions," the document read.
US threats against foreign companies operating in Iran "have led to the withdrawal of foreign automakers from the country." Therefore, Iran has to "rely on engines and other equipment of local manufacturers who cannot use the latest technology," the experts stated. In their view, US sanctions against Tehran contradict the position expressed by Washington on the importance of a clean environment for human health. The statement suggests that US anti-Iranian sanctions that hinder environmental improvements and reduce the negative health and life effects of pollution should be "eased or completely lifted." This would enable Iranians to "fulfil their right to a clean environment, their right to health and life."
The experts informed the United States of their conclusions.
UN Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on Human Rights Elena Dovgan, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change Ian Fry, Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity Obiora Okafor, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett and Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Just International Order Livingstone Sewanyana signed the statement.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS