Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Today’s vote by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to remove Iran from the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women sends an unmistakable message of support from around the world to the brave people of Iran, and in particular to Iranian women and girls, who remain undaunted despite the brutality and violence perpetrated against them by the Iranian regime.

The protests across Iran, triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the so called “morality police,” reveal an Iranian population craving the universal human rights to which every person worldwide is entitled.

In response to these demonstrations, the regime has unsuccessfully attempted to suppress Iranian voices by killing hundreds of peaceful protestors, including dozens of children, and arbitrarily detaining thousands. Iranian courts have issued harsh sentences to protestors, including the death penalty, following sham trials.

The United States is proud to have worked with ECOSOC partners to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women, a body whose values and mission the regime makes a mockery of. The United States reiterates our unwavering support for the people of Iran.