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15.01.2026 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC meeting on the protests in Iran

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 15.01.2026

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President.  

 

And thank you to the Somali Presidency for acting swiftly to convene this meeting. The gravity of the situation in Iran, warrants this timely discussion.

 

I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary General Pobee for her briefing, and the civil society briefers Ms. Alinejad, and Mr. Batebi, for sharing their insights and personal experiences.  

 

Mr. President,  

 

Once again, the Iranian people have taken to the streets to bravely voice their demands for a better life. A life in freedom, dignity and prosperity. And once again, they have been met with sheer brutality and ferocious violence.

 

We are deeply concerned by the reports of several thousand protesters killed by the Iranian security forces. And as we have heard from Assistant Secretary General Pobee, more than 18.000 arrested. Iran’s brutal crackdown on the protesters is unacceptable.

 

We strongly condemn these killings, as well as the use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics by the security forces against the protesters. These actions must stop.

 

All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully, and without fear. We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint from unnecessary, and disproportionate use of force.

 

We stand in full solidarity with the Iranian people, while they exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We call on Iran to comply with its obligations under international human rights law. And to ensure unhindered access to information and communication including access to the internet for all Iranians.

  

Mr. President,  

 

Loud and clear. Again, and again. We hear the Iranians lift their voices. For a better life. For their rights to be respected. 

 

For too long, the leaders in Teheran have not heeded this call.  

 

The time has now come for the Government of Iran to finally listen. To respond to the will of its people, through peaceful means. 

 

We urge them to start today.

 

I thank you.