Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Connor Robertson
The Islamic Republic of Iran, while fully respecting the valuable work carried out by officials and experts of the United Nations throughout the world, is deeply concerned about recently emerging cases of corruption, fraud, and sexual exploitation by UN personnel during their missions. While diplomatic immunity is indispensable to ensure that the officials of this world organization conduct their responsibilities without political pressure, it should never be used as an excuse to shelter individuals who commit crimes. Accountability needs to be significantly enhanced, not only to protect the victims but also to maintain the world public trust in the United Nations.
Among the questions outlined by the Committee, Iran believes several issues merit more attention. Often, there are no clear procedures on when and how immunity should be waived, which has allowed some individuals to avoid prosecution. Many host countries, particularly developing countries, lack the ability to assert their rights when crimes occur within their territories. Similar situations apply to contractors and temporary workers who are not consistently subject to the existing rules, and they, too, need to be included in accountability frameworks. Finally, political considerations can sometimes influence which cases are pursued, which more often than not causes gross miscarriages of justice. Victims often face barriers to reporting abuse, and their voices need to be better supported.
Iran proposes practical and fair solutions that respect both state sovereignty and the independence of the United Nations. In a sense, Iran believes that host countries should have the primary right to prosecute crimes committed within their borders. Waiver of immunity in respect of credible evidence of wrongdoing is proposed. In instances where this immunity prevents local prosecution, such responsibilities will necessarily shift to the official’s home country, which should be under an obligation to investigate and prosecute the case.
Iran supports efforts to enhance the Office of Internal Oversight Services by establishing clearer procedures for conducting investigations and making findings public whenever possible. Iran also strongly advocates for stronger host country-UN cooperation agreements so as to facilitate greater sharing of evidence and investigation on both sides. Victim protection is a key concern for Iran, and expanded survivor support programs, along with easier reporting systems, should be established. Iran finally encourages all member states to enact legislation allowing prosecution by home countries of crimes committed abroad by their nationals while serving on UN missions. Iran’s position is based on the established principles of the UN, as well as General Assembly Resolution 62/63, and the Secretary-General’s report A/78/129, which underlines critical loopholes in UN staff accountability and urges increased cooperation between states and the UN. The UN Charter speaks to the principles of state sovereignty, equality among nations, and the rule of law that all those which Iran bases its approach on. Iranian jurisdiction allows the country to try Iranian nationals for specific categories of crimes committed on foreign territory, which, in turn, corresponds to the principle of responsibility before home-state authorities. Similar past cases in countries like Haiti and the Central African Republic give more than enough reason for the urgent need to develop stronger global standards.
The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that meaningful reform is possible and necessary. The UN can work to enhance justice for victims and restore trust in its missions by enhancing oversight, clearly defining the limits of immunity, empowering host states, and ensuring home-state responsibility. Iran looks forward, in this respect, to cooperating with all member states to develop an effective framework created to protect communities and preserve the integrity of the United Nations.
Chair, Mr. Statement by Mr. Yahya Aref Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the Sixth Committee of Seventy-Ninth Session of General Assembly Agenda Item 77: Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission 10 October 2025-New York.
CIA. “Iran – the World Factbook.” Www.cia.gov, 7 May 2024, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/.
“OFFICE of INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES |.” Oios.un.org, oios.un.org/.
United Nations. “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: UN Intensifying Efforts to Uphold Victims’ Rights | UN News.” News.un.org, 26 Mar. 2024, news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148016.
