to co-operate with him, as required by the UN Human Rights Council.
“It is my hope that the Iranian authorities will view my mandate as a secure and legitimate space in which to take steps to comply with its international human rights obligations, as well as an opportunity to address the areas of concern communicated to Iran during its interactions with the international community on human rights issues,” Shaheed said as he formally took office August 1.
The former foreign minister of the Maldives, a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean, also underscored his firm belief that the establishment of the new mandate “provides an opportunity for Iran to engage on a range of human rights issues that have been raised by the international community.”
“I issued a written communication to the Iranian authorities to introduce myself and express my interest in visiting the country,” Shaheed said. The Islamic Republic, however, has announced even before Shaheed wrote that it would not allow him to enter Iran.
“My first report shall be submitted to the 66th session of General Assembly [this fall], and I have sought meetings with the Iranian ambassador to the UN Offices in Geneva ahead of that date to discuss a platform for cooperation in the months ahead.”
Beyond trying to interact with the government of the Islamic Republic, Shaheed said he will also work closely with Iranian civil society and human rights defenders, most of whom are highly critical of Iran’s performance. In effect, Shaheed seemed to be saying that Iran could work with him and have a chance to respond to critics and shut him out and not have any input, but he would be writing a report either way.
“Every effort shall be made to demonstrate both the steps that the Iranian authorities can take to comply with Iran’s international obligations, as well as to draw attention to the grievances of those who feel victimized by alleged human rights violations,” Shaheed said clearly but diplomatically.
