Why it matters:
Iran used the global platform to highlight the international community’s failure to stop the mass atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza, calling on UN member states to act “decisively and collectively” to uphold their legal obligations under international law.
The big picture:
The event marked a decade since the UN designated a global day to honor victims of genocide and strengthen worldwide prevention mechanisms. Iravani emphasized that genocide prevention is a binding legal duty, not a symbolic aspiration, urging states to enforce international norms consistently rather than selectively.
What he’s saying:
Ambassador Iravani’s key remarks included:
On the UN mandate: “Preventing genocide is a binding obligation under international law and a solemn duty owed to humanity.”
On state responsibility: All States Parties bear an erga omnes obligation to prevent and punish genocide and to refrain from aiding its commission.
On the Israeli regime’s actions in Gaza: He cited the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that Israeli actions amount to genocide.
Iravani condemned Israel for mass killing and serious bodily harm, total siege and starvation tactics, destruction of health and education systems, sexual violence and torture targeting women and children, attacks on cultural and religious sites, and blocking humanitarian aid.
On ICJ findings: “The International Court of Justice has already described genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
On Western governments and media: He accused certain Western states and media outlets of “facilitating, legitimizing and normalizing” Israel’s campaign through distortion and dehumanizing narratives.
On the UN’s responsibility: “Genocide cannot be erased by silence. The world must act, decisively, collectively, and without delay.”
Key points:
- Iran reaffirmed its role as co-sponsor of the UN resolution establishing the International Day of Genocide Victims.
- He accused Western media of dehumanization and complicity.
- He called for collective international action to uphold justice and prevent further atrocities.
Between the lines:
Iran is leveraging formal UN platforms to document and internationalize legal arguments regarding genocide in Gaza and highlighting Western double standards.
Go deeper:
Iran's UN Envoy: UNSC Should Take Immediate Action Against Israel’s Child Killing
Hossein Vaez - ahmad shirzadian
