Iran may be elected to a United Nations committee that helps shape policy on human rights, women’s rights and counterterrorism, prompting strong criticism from the watchdog group UN Watch. Its executive director, Hillel Neuer, called the prospect “Orwellian”, arguing that Iran’s record on human and women’s rights makes such a role inappropriate.

The UN General Assembly is expected to vote in November on membership of the Committee for Programme and Coordination, which has influence over the UN’s policy planning and budgetary priorities. The article frames the possible appointment against longstanding international criticism of Iran’s treatment of women, activists and other dissenting groups.