10.08.2001 - Source: UN General Assembly

40 per cent of Iranians are living in "absolute and relative poverty" ("Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic in Iran A/ 56/278") [#4950], [ID 9540]

"96. Poverty has become an issue that can no longer be ignored. In mid April 2001, after a strenuous debate on the definition of the term, the press reported that, according to the Management and Planning Organization, 40 per cent of Iranians are living in “absolute and relative poverty”. The gap between rich and poor is widening.

97. In mid March, the President was reported as declaring, “I know that a considerable proportion of the people are suffering hardship. The food on their table is meagre. They work very hard. They receive little in return. Our weakness, problems and obstacles and the existing pressures, the shortcomings, the shortages, primarily affect that sector of society.” The President has expressed recognition that only increased economic activity and in particular economic growth can address this problem."

Document(s): 02192iran.pdf
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