“این تصویر نشان دهنده یک گلدان گل سفید است”

This image shows a white flower pot.
Mohammad Moghimi

Human rights is one of the topics that has always played a prominent role in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the European Union. According to the Charter of the European Union, human rights are considered the cornerstone of the common foreign policy of this union. In this regard, the members of the European Union have always criticized the human rights situation in Iran and called for its improvement in political negotiations with Iranian officials. They raise issues such as harsh punishments like execution, flogging, stoning, or discrimination against women in inheritance, inequality in employment opportunities for women, violations of freedom of thought and expression, freedom of the press, and other similar issues as the basis of their human rights concerns. On the other hand, some critics believe that human rights are being politically exploited in Iran and that we are facing double standards in this regard in the world. However, the implementation of many human rights rules and norms depends on the political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and other conditions of societies

A few weeks ago, our country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Iran will engage in a dialogue on human rights with the European Union. However, Iran has conditioned this dialogue on equal footing and mutual respect. It should be noted that this dialogue, or rather “conversation,” is an active action, not a passive one. Therefore, in these conversations, Iran can also convey its perspectives and concerns to the negotiating party and become aware of their concerns, criticisms, and suggestions, and in general, both sides can reach a mutual understanding. Undoubtedly, this approach is more intelligent, active, and responsible than confrontation with human rights institutions. For example, one of the issues that our country’s officials have always criticized in response to reports or positions of international human rights institutions is the lack of impartiality in these reports; however, it seems that part of this criticism is due to Iran’s passive approach. In fact, conversations provide an opportunity for interaction between the two parties.

It is worth mentioning that after the JCPOA, Iran must play a better role in the world and the region and use all its capacities to improve the living standards of its citizens and promote development. Achieving this goal requires interaction with developed countries and expanding relations with the world. On the other hand, due to the intensification of the process of globalization and the widespread nature of many phenomena with global characteristics, inseparability and mutual dependence, solving many human problems is only possible through global cooperation and solidarity. Dialogue and interaction in the shadow of mutual respect is one of the best solutions for human progress. Therefore, it seems that the current government of Iran has taken the initiative in this regard, being aware of the strategic importance of this issue in post-JCPOA Iran. Hence, it is hoped that with vigilance and prudence, the diplomatic capacities will be utilized in this regard.

The writer believes that it is possible to turn the human rights challenge between Iran and the European Union into an opportunity and through active and responsible engagement, reach a mutual understanding and provide a platform for further promotion of human rights in Iran. To achieve this, it is appropriate for officials to utilize experts, activists, specialists, and independent human rights professors.