Iran: Repression of women ‘intensifies’, two years after mass protests
“Islamic Republic of Iran based on a system that, both in law and in practice, fundamentally discriminates on the basis of sex“The update highlights the far-reaching implications for women and girls’ bodily autonomy, freedom of expression and religion, and many other economic, social and cultural rights.
The increased crackdown comes two years after the unlawful death in custody of Jina Mahasa Amini, 22, who was arrested by Iran’s “morality police” in Tehran on September 13, 2022, for allegedly failing to comply with Iran’s laws on forced labor. headscarf.
Her death sparked nationwide protests demanding accountability and an end to discrimination under the signature slogan “Women, Life, Freedom.”
The rise of violence, surveillance, executions
Iranian security forces have Pre-existing patterns of physical violence escalateincluding beating, kicking and slapping women and girls deemed non-compliant with mandatory regulations headscarf laws and regulations, according to a United Nations report Independent International Fact-Finding Mission about Iran
State agencies have also increased supervision. headscarf compliance in both the public and private sectors through increased use of surveillance, including drones.
Meanwhile, in the past two years, The death penalty and other criminal laws have been used to terrorize Iranians. and prevent them from protesting and expressing their opinions freely, investigators said.
The update makes clear that this new pattern of sentencing female activists – including some from Iran’s ethnic and religious minorities, after they were convicted of crimes against national security – has caused the greatest concern.
Amid such escalating violence, the “Hijab and Purity” bill is in the final stages of approval and is likely to be finalized.
Bill would introduce tougher penalties for women who fail to wear mandatory face masks headscarfincluding exorbitant fines, longer prison sentences, restrictions on work and education opportunities, and travel bans, independent rights experts assert.
The plight of women must be given top priority.
The delegation called on Iran to immediately stop executing protesters and consider ending the death penalty altogether, release all those arbitrarily detained in connection with the protests, and end all repressive policies and institutional measures against women and girls, including the “Hijab and Virginity” bill.
“Without the State taking action to address the growing violations against women and girls, there is no realistic hope that victims and survivors can have full and meaningful access to the fundamental rights and freedoms to which they are entitled.and the Islamic Republic of Iran is obliged to respect and ensure,” the update warned.
In light of the ongoing blatant violations across Iran, including crimes against humanity, the Mission also calls on UN Member States to step up efforts to ensure the rights of victims and their families.
“States must continue to put the issue of women and girls in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the top of the international agenda,” the update said.
