Iran's representative on Thursday defended the country's human rights record at a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council where its role in repressing recent protests is under scrutiny.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets that the Human Rights Council is abused once again by some arrogant States to antagonise a sovereign UN Member State that is fully committed to its obligation to promote and protect the human rights," said Deputy of the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khadijeh Karimi, in a speech to the Geneva-based body.