On 14^th December, Iran has been removed from the United Nations women’s body, a move pushed by the United States as the Iranian government continues to repress protests across the country.

“UN Member States just voted to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women,” the US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Twitter following the vote. “Iranian women and activists called on us to do this – and today, we got it done.”

Iran has rejected a newly-appointed independent U.N. investigation into the country's repression of anti-government protests, the foreign ministry said, as demonstrations showed no sign of abating.

"Iran will have no cooperation with the political committee formed by the U.N. Rights Council," ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said.

The U.N. Rights Council voted to appoint a probe into Iran's deadly crackdown on protests.  Volker Turk, the U.N. rights commissioner, had earlier demanded that Iran end its "disproportionate" use of force in quashing protests that erupted after the death in custody of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16.

Activist news agency HRANA said 450 protesters had been killed in more than two months of nationwide unrest as of Nov. 26, including 63 minors. It said 60 members of the security forces had been killed, and 18,173 protesters detained.

The unrest has posed one of the boldest challenges to Iran's clerical ruling elite since it came to power in the 1979 Islamic revolution, though authorities have crushed previous rounds of major protests. Iran has blamed foreign foes and their agents for the unrest.

More:  Reuters

Pray:    Asrin’s Prayer for Iran (Prayer 24-7)

Heavenly Father,

With a breaking heart, I lift up my country to you.

Comfort

As we watch the pain, sorrow and violence spreading across Iran right now, we thank you that you are the God of all comfort.

We grieve for those hurting. We lift up especially the family of Zhina Mahsa Amini, and the loved ones of those who have died or been injured in the protests. Please, show them your comfort. You alone can ease this pain.

Many protestors have been arrested and their families do not know where they are. Many people are afraid to leave their homes amid the unrest. Many people are so hurt and angry they are consumed by it. Please, reveal your comfort to them. Comfort my country, Lord.

Hope

Now more than ever, Iran needs your hope.

So many of our people don’t know you. They are hurt, they are angry and despairing. They desperately need hope. They feel unseen and unheard. But Father, you see all. You hear the cry of every heart.

Now is the most important time for our people to hear and receive your Good News. Lord, open their hearts. Bring them near to you. Let them enter into your living hope.

Courage

Lord, you have many faithful people in Iran. Strengthen your church to be courageous as they go out to share your love with the hurting. Be with them by your Spirit and protect them as they go on prayer walks, as they hold out your words of hope, as they minister to people practically.

Awaken your church in Iran to be fully present with those who are buried deep in pain and anger. And awaken your global Church to know how to pray and act at this time.

Light

Father, we ask that no more of Iran’s daughters or sons would be killed. Restrain the violence, we pray. May many lay down their weapons and refuse to use violence.

We pray the fear of God would enter the hearts of Iran’s leaders: that they would repent and turn to you. Lord, free our beautiful nation from oppression.

Lord, dispel the darkness, the anguish and the suffering from our land. Let your light break through!

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

Amen.