Setting up a new UN agency is a fraught business. UN Women, designed to fight for the rights of women in the developing world in a way previous UN agencies did not manage, is no different. Following hard political lobbying from the US and human rights groups, Iran has been ejected from the board.
This is the view of Kathy Peach, head of external affairs at VSO:
Giving Iran a place on the board would have been a huge blow for women's rights around the globe and a huge setback for the hundreds of organisations who campaigned for the creation of UN Women. Iran's track record on women's rights, including the high-profile case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, rightly undermined its credibility to sit on an executive board tasked with securing a just and fair world for women.
Iran had originally secured an uncontested seat, but was ejected after East Timor decided to compete – perhaps with a little persuasion?
It is interesting, however, that Iran – one of the west's least favourite nations – should be pushed out while Saudi Arabia – not known for its strong stance on equality – has a place. So do Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
US ambassador Susan Rice told the BBC that the US was pleased with the outcome after Iran lost at the ballot.
I am not going to deny that there were several countries that are going to join the board of UN Women that have less than stellar records on women's rights, and indeed human rights.
It does make me wonder, however, whether being kicked off the board of UN Women is more likely to help – or hinder – change in Iran?
