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UNITED NATIONS — A committee of the UN General Assembly today sharply criticized Iran for its continued and increasing violations of human rights.

By a vote of 80 to 44, the Assembly's Third Committee approved a resolution that "expresses deep concern at serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations" in Iran. There were 57 abstentions.

The vote came after Iran attempted a "no-action motion," aimed at blocking the resolution by calling for adjournment of the debate. The motion failed by a vote of 51 in favor to 91 against, with 32 abstentions.

In its specifics, the resolution takes note of recent reports of Iran's continued use of torture, an intensified crackdown on human rights defenders, "pervasive gender inequality and violence against women," and discrimination against minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith.

"The wording of the resolution, which is the 23rd such condemnation of Iran since 1985, leaves no doubt that the world remains deeply concerned with Iran's continued human rights violations," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.