{"id":322456,"date":"2024-07-22T17:47:22","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T16:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=322456"},"modified":"2024-07-22T17:47:22","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T16:47:22","slug":"former-us-ambassador-keith-harper-irans-human-rights-violations-demand-immediate-accountability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/free-iran-world-summit\/free-iran-summit-2024\/former-us-ambassador-keith-harper-irans-human-rights-violations-demand-immediate-accountability\/","title":{"rendered":"Former US Ambassador Keith Harper: Iran’s Human Rights Violations Demand Immediate Accountability"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Former US Amb. to the UNHRC Keith Harper gave a speech in support of the Iranian people and their Organized Resistance (NCRI and PMOI) led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi for a free, democratic, non-nuclear republic of Iran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On July 1, at the Free Iran 2024 World Summit<\/a> in Paris, Ambassador Keith Harper, former US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, delivered a poignant speech addressing the gross human rights violations in Iran under the current regime. Amb. Harper emphasized his unwavering support for a free and democratic Iran that fully empowers women and does not discriminate against them.<\/p>\n

Focusing on the historical and ongoing atrocities, Amb. Harper recounted his realization of the sheer depravity of the 1988 executions and massacre. He highlighted that the cruelty inflicted was intentional, aimed at breeding fear and silencing dissent. The former Ambassador praised the ongoing efforts to bring accountability and spotlight these crimes, stressing that it is never too late for justice. He pointed out the dangerous cycle of impunity leading to repeated violations, underscoring the importance of understanding past atrocities to prevent future ones.<\/p>\n

Amb. Harper acknowledged the bravery of Iranian protesters who, despite knowing the potential consequences, continued to stand up against the regime. He lauded recent successes in raising awareness about the 1988 massacre<\/a> and other human rights violations, noting the importance of the Human Rights Council\u2019s fact-finding missions and the role of the special rapporteur. Amb. Harper concluded on a hopeful note, drawing a parallel with the unexpected fall of the Berlin Wall, to emphasize that while the exact timing of a free Iran cannot be predicted, it remains an attainable and imminent goal.<\/p>\n

The full text of Ambassador Keith Harper\u2019s speech follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Madam President, Excellencies, colleagues, old friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Like my good friend Ambassador Ruecker, I have not been here for the conference, and so I cannot say that I agree with all the things that are said, but I can tell you one thing I agreed with. I’d like to see a free Iran as soon as possible. I’d like to see a democratic Iran as soon as possible. I’d like to see an Iran that does not discriminate against women and fully empowers them in their society as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

My focus today is on the human rights situation in Iran and the gross and systematic violations that have occurred under this present regime since its inception. For myself, I was aware of the 1988 executions and massacre, but I did not fully understand the gravity and the sheer depravity of it. And let me be clear, once I’ve learned more about it, what became unmistakably clear is that the cruelty involved was not a byproduct. The cruelty was the point. The cruelty was the point when they, the way they treated the victims and they tortured them and they treated their families, the cruelty was the point because the cruelty was about breeding fear. Their goal was to silence. And that is the story that has to be told and is being told better each day. And so I welcome the efforts of those focused on bringing accountability, showing a spotlight on this incredible crime to so many for merely sharing their point of view.<\/p>\n

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Amb. Keith Harper, Former US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council:
"Understanding the #1988Massacre<\/a> and the other atrocities before and since speaks volumes about the sheer bravery of these protesters. They have not been cowed by the cruelty."@AmbHarper<\/a>, #FreeIran2024<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rJDyUmR7FG<\/a><\/p>\n

— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) July 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n