Statement by H.E AmbassadorGharibabadi DeputySecretaryGeneraloftheHighCouncilforHuman Rights Islamic Republicof Iran 9thsession of the Forum on minority issues 25 November 2016, Geneva In The Name of God Mr. Chairperson, The Constitution oftheI.RofIransetsforth legitimate rights and freedoms for various language, religious, racial and ethnic groupsin 24 articles, includingequal rightsforallpeople of Iran from any ethnicity or tribesandequality of all before the law. Against whatwasraisedbyafewinthisforum, ethnicgroupsarenotminoritiesinIran, buttheyformthe majority ofthecountry.The Iranian territory has always been home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups. Under, Article 15 of the Constitution, Farsi is the state language and script; yet, use of the local and ethnic languages in the media including the press and their teaching in schools is permitted and encouraged. It’s worth mentioning that, for example, Kurdish and Azeri are taught in universities also. The high and effective position of ethnic groups in all national decision-makings, including in the cabinet, parliament,citycouncils, Assembly of Expertsandadministration of provincesisa clear demonstration of deep belief towards equityandnational unity in Iran. For example, there are many high ranking officials among Azaris, Kurds, Arabs and etc as vice-president, minister, president of the supreme national security council and so on. Mr. Chairperson, With respect to some references made by certaingroups on ethnic communities, I shall emphasize that my country is proud of all its citizens, meanwhile they have done their utmost efforts for the progress and development of the country and protecting it. While the Iranian noble ethnic groups were constantly defending their country during imposed war, they