I deplore Iran’s odious practice of executing people for crimes committed when they were children. I am also concerned about the excessive use of force against demonstrators in December and January for economic and social rights, as well as the subsequent deaths of a number of protestors held in custody. Widespread resentment at high levels of youth unemployment, inequality, lack of accountability of State institutions and the greater demand for rights should be addressed through dialogue and reforms. Repressive measures – such as arrests and prosecutions of human rights defenders, journalists, international environmental activists and women protesting against the compulsory hijab – can only deepen the people’s resentment. The Secretary General’s report on Iran will be presented to the Council on 21 March.