The first point I would like to make is that the significance of this report is the report itself. The United Nations does not have an illustrious and consistent record of shedding light on human rights violations by repressive regimes. It has oftentimes focused in a petty fashion on criticizing and demonizing the imperfections of western democracies. The fact that the focus of international attention is now on Iran and its human rights record is significant in and of itself. The fact that the mandate has been extended for another year will ensure that the record of the regime will remain in the spotlight.
One thing that should be done to build on this report is to use forums like your Parliament and similar institutions, as well as your roles as members of Parliament, to amplify the findings of the report and bring them to the attention of western audiences. One of the most difficult battles we have in confronting Iran is that there is very little awareness in the west. Perhaps in Canada that is less so, because sadly you've had individual cases of Canadian citizens who have been the victims of Iranian repression. But elsewhere in the west there isn't much awareness of how repressive this regime is. Enhancing the understanding of such a thing would help to demonstrate why Iran has been the subject of such a harsh sanction regime and why there is so much concern about its nuclear programs. So that is extremely important.
The second point I would make is that the Iranian regime does not like to be embarrassed. The Iranian regime has been aggressively seeking to gain a more active and influential role in a number of international forums, including the UN forums that deal directly with human rights. It is seeking a role in places like UNESCO. To have a report produced by the UN itself that proves beyond doubt the extent of human rights violations conducted by this regime inside Iran against its own people will serve as a useful tool for western diplomacies in trying to undermine Iran's efforts to gain legitimacy through seating in influential positions in international forums. It would help isolate the regime. It would help put pressure on the regime and make the regime feel more vulnerable. To prove its legitimacy, the regime has used the ability of its leaders to travel, to obtain audiences, to be heard, and to be in the international spotlight. Reversing the trend is extremely important and useful in the effort to isolate the regime.
I think we can take that report and build on it significantly.