In a move that has sparked worldwide outrage, Iran has taken the chair of a United Nations human rights social forum, despite allegations of decades-long human rights abuses and support for terrorism. The appointment of Iranian Ambassador Ali Bahreini as the chair-rapporteur for the 2023 "Social Forum" has drawn strong criticism from several countries and human rights organizations.

The United States, in particular, has expressed its opposition to the appointment. U.S. Permanent Representative to the Human Rights Council Ambassador Michele Taylor stated that it is "absurd" for an official from the Iranian regime to assume the role of Chair for a body associated with the promotion and protection of human rights. The U.S. categorically refuses to engage in any discussion on human rights chaired by Iran.

Critics argue that Iran's record of human rights abuses, including beatings, torture, and rape of women who demand their rights, makes its chairmanship position unacceptable. The appointment comes shortly after Iran executed two men for using social media to criticize religion. Hillel Neuer from the watchdog group U.N. Watch raised the question of logic and morality in elevating a regime with such a history.

Lisa Daftari, a Middle East expert, criticized the U.N. for promoting the Islamic Republic to this position. She argued that supporting a regime that executes innocent young people for trivial offenses such as showing hair or posting on social media undermines the call of Iranians for a more progressive and inclusive society.

These concerns are further compounded by recent findings from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's report on human rights in Iran, which highlighted alarming rates of executions, large-scale arrests and detentions of protesters, and restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression.

Iran has faced widespread protests over the past year, particularly following the death of Mahsa Amini and Armita Geravand, both allegedly subjected to violence by the morality police for violating hijab laws. The U.S. ambassador Taylor condemned Iran's appointment to the forum chair, emphasizing the regime's oppressive track record and its incompatibility with matters related to human rights.

The controversy surrounding this appointment comes at a time when the United Nations is already facing scrutiny for its handling of various issues. The U.S. faced criticism for allowing Iran's foreign minister to visit New York City and speak before the General Assembly despite national security concerns, given Iran's alleged links to terrorist groups. Additionally, the U.N.'s response to the recent Hamas terrorist attack and the Gaza Strip conflict has drawn condemnation for its perceived bias against Israel.

As nations continue to use the forum to voice their opinions and critique Israel's response to the conflict, the Czech Republic's Defense Minister Jana Cernochova has even called for her country to withdraw from the U.N., accusing the organization of supporting terrorists and neglecting the right to self-defense. Although the Czech Republic has clarified that it will not actually withdraw, the sentiment underscores the growing discontent among certain member states.

The appointment of Iran to chair the UN human rights social forum has rekindled the debate on the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing human rights violations. As international criticism intensifies, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the future operations and reputation of the UN Human Rights Council.