The United States and other UN member states are worried by Iran’s candidacy given Tehran’s poor record on human and women’s rights. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet set to head the UN Women agency.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The United States Government and human rights groups reacted forcefully yesterday to news that Iran is close to gaining a seat on a new UN agency to promote equality for women.

The body, UN Women, is intended to promote women’s rights, but the nomination of Iran has caused outrage, particularly in light of the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the 43-year-old mother of two sentenced to death by stoning for alleged adultery.

“UN Women is tasked with promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. We and many other countries are concerned by the negative implications of Iran’s potential board memberships, given its poor record on human rights and the treatment of women,” said Mark Kornblau, spokesman for the US mission to the United Nations.

Under a General Assembly resolution, four UN agencies are being merged into one 41-member body. Regional groups nominate 35 countries with a further six donor nations to be included.

The Asian group has proposed an uncontested ten-nation list that includes Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s nomination as one of the donor countries has also caused concern. Women are not allowed to drive in the kingdom and segregation of the sexes is strictly enforced by the country’s religious police.

In both countries, women are routinely harassed and can face severe punishment, including jail and lashings, for behaviour or dress deemed immodest.

UN Women will be headed by the former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, an appointment that has been applauded by all.

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