Response to interpellation 2024/25:291 on Iran
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
M argues that the government is working to create unity within the EU to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard on the EU's sanctions regime against terrorism 1. M believes that the government has raised the issue at the highest level at the European Council meeting in October 2024 1. M argues that the government takes the systematic oppression of women in Iran most seriously 1. M believes that Sweden constantly raises human rights in bilateral talks with Iranian representatives 1. M argues that the government will be clear in its call to Iran to cease discrimination of women and girls 1.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! I have been asked in what way I and the government are working to create consensus to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard on the terror list, and what measures I intend to take to support women in Iran.
The Government has for some time worked towards EU unity to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard, IRGC, under the EU's sanctions regime against terrorism. It is a line that even a unanimous Riksdag has stood behind in its declaration from May 2023.
In accordance with this, we have continuously raised the issue both at the EU's foreign ministers' meetings and at the expert level. The Government has repeatedly updated the Riksdag on this work, among other things in connection with previous interpellations and parliamentary questions and in the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Due to recent events that can be linked to Iran - in the Middle East but also in Sweden and in other European countries - the government has nevertheless seen reason to increase the pressure on Iran. The Prime Minister therefore raised the issue of a listing of IRGC at the highest level at the European Council meeting in October 2024.
When it comes to the situation of women in Iran, it remains very difficult, and extensive systematic oppression of women is part of the foundation of the authoritarian regime. The government takes this most seriously.
Human rights and not least the situation of women and girls is an issue that Sweden constantly raises in bilateral talks with Iranian representatives and something that I myself specifically highlighted in my conversation with Iran's Foreign Minister when I met him in New York this autumn.
We convey the same strong message to Iran also in multilateral channels and forums. A concrete example is the UN's Universal Periodic Review, which is a recurring review mechanism within the UN Human Rights Council. There, Iran is subject to review tomorrow, January 24, 2025.
The Government will therefore once again be very clear in its appeal to Iran to cease all systematic discrimination against women and girls and to ensure that women and girls can fully and freely enjoy their human rights.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.