NGOs with consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, who were in Geneva for the 28th Human Rights Council meeting, met with Ahmad Shahid, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Iran.

The Representatives of NGOs presented their views on the new report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights.

By criticizing the report on how it has ignored the Iran's human rights developments and achievements, as well as the lack of neutrality in its preparation and presentation, the NGOs urged Ahmad Shaheed to prepare the report without politicization.

Iranian organizations also criticized the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for neglecting the effects of unilateral Western sanctions against Iran, which has affected the lives of millions of Iranians, and brought Mr. Shaheed attention to their concern over the violation of Iran's rights due to sanctions. They emphasized the need of commitment the special rapporteur should carry over the violations of Iran’s right regarding the imposed sanctions, especially in the field of medicines and treatments concerning distinct and special diseases, as well as the creation of bank barriers to humanitarian activities.

At the end of the meeting, Ahmad Shaheed appreciated the cooperation of the Iranian NGOs, pointing to the issue of sanctions and their harmful impacts, saying: I referred to sanctions in various circles, but due to lack of access to detailed and accurate information (regarding their impacts), the possibility of taking this field into account did not exist.

While expressing his hope for a continued cooperation with the NGOs, Mr. Shaheed called them the advisory arm for his reports.

In response to the question of Iranian seminars, regarding the mission of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran and it’s closure so that Iran's case goes back to normal, he said: "This requires the cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Special Rapporteur travel to the country in order to be able to prepare the report on The human rights situation in Iran.

The Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Iran also said that the changes applied to the criminal laws in Iran was a positive and promising step.