Statement by the United Nations Association of Iran (UNA-Iran)

on the Human Rights Implications of Unilateral and Interventionist Policies of the United States

Your Excellency,

The United Nations Association of Iran (UNA-Iran), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the humanitarian values, principles, and objectives of the United Nations in Iran, respectfully addresses this statement to you. Guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UNA-Iran expresses serious concern over the human rights consequences of unilateral and interventionist policies pursued by the United States over the past year. Measures targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with broader actions affecting multilateral governance, raise fundamental questions regarding sovereign equality, non-intervention, and respect for international law.

The continued imposition of unilateral sanctions has produced significant humanitarian impacts. Despite being described as targeted, their extraterritorial effects restrict access to financial systems, essential goods, and development opportunities. Humanitarian exemptions have proven insufficient, as over-compliance and secondary sanctions impede access to medicines and critical medical equipment, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and undermining economic and social rights.

Rising military tensions and actions affecting Iranian territory or regional stability further threaten the right to life and civilian protection. Even limited uses of force create insecurity, psychological harm, and infrastructure damage, contrary to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force.

Attempts to invoke the “snapback” mechanism under Security Council Resolution 2231 following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA risk weakening multilateral diplomacy and legal certainty. The reimposition of broad sanctions would deepen economic instability and adversely affect rights related to work, health, education, and an adequate standard of living.

Beyond Iran, reported foreign interference in political processes in Greenland illustrates broader concerns regarding respect for self-determination and non-intervention in autonomous territories. Such actions undermine democratic integrity and the sovereign rights of local populations.

The withdrawal of the United States from key multilateral frameworks has also diminished collective capacity to address global challenges, weakening cooperation in areas central to human rights protection and sustainable development.

The cumulative effect of sanctions, economic pressure, military tensions, and reduced multilateral engagement has intensified hardship for civilians, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups. These developments undermine human dignity and the right to development.

The principle of sovereign equality remains the cornerstone of the international order. Policies grounded in unilateral coercion and selective application of norms risk eroding trust in international law and multilateral institutions.

In light of the above, UNA-Iran respectfully urges:

• The United States to review and suspend unilateral sanctions that adversely affect civilians and to ensure effective humanitarian access.
• All Member States to uphold the prohibition of the threat or use of force and respect sovereign equality.
• The United Nations to conduct independent assessments of the humanitarian impact of sanctions and foreign interference.
• The international community to reaffirm its commitment to multilateral agreements and diplomatic solutions.
• States to refrain from interference in autonomous or Indigenous territories and to respect the right to self-determination.

Your Excellency,

At a time of global uncertainty, renewed commitment to the UN Charter and universal human rights principles is essential. Unilateral coercive measures, interventionist practices, and weakened multilateralism threaten not only individual nations but the integrity of the international system. UNA-Iran reaffirms its dedication to dialogue, peaceful dispute resolution, and the protection of human dignity, and calls upon the Secretary-General to continue promoting international law and multilateral cooperation for the benefit of all peoples.

Respectfully submitted,

United Nations Association of Iran (UNA-Iran)