Expresses its concern more specifically at the main criticisms of the Special Representative in his recent reports with regard to the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely, the continued high number of executions, cases of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, a failure to meet international standards with regard to the administration of justice, the absence of guarantees of due process of law, the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Baha'is, whose existence as a viable religious community is threatened, lack of adequate protection for the Christian minorities, some of whom have recently been the target of intimidations and assassinations, restrictions on the freedom of expression, thought, opinion and the press, and, as noted by the Special Representative, continued widespread discrimination against women;
