Iran’s New Hijab Law Sparks Outrage
"Experts Warn of Increased Control Over Women's Rights and Freedoms"
Source: UN / Image: Unsplash/Amir Hosseini
Independent experts have warned that Iran’s new hijab law represents the increasing control of the state over women’s bodies and marks yet another blow to women’s rights and freedoms.
The New Law Explained
A law promoting so-called sexual morality and the culture of hijab under the guise of protecting families is now being enforced in Iran. Under this law, girls aged 12 and above who fail to wear the hijab in public or on digital platforms face punitive measures.
Provisions include penalties for women and girls accused of wearing inappropriate clothing, promoting nudity, or behaving in ways deemed indecent by authorities.
Harsh Penalties
Previously, under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, women could be fined or imprisoned for not wearing the hijab. However, the new law increases the severity of penalties, with fines raised significantly and prison sentences extended up to 15 years.
In extreme cases, judges can impose the death penalty under charges of “corruption on Earth” for those found guilty of violating the law.
Violations of Human Rights
A group of human rights experts has condemned the new law, stating it blatantly violates fundamental human rights, legal norms, and principles. They assert that the law undermines women’s rights to equality, freedom of expression, religious belief, bodily autonomy, security, and privacy.
Concerns have also been raised about the government’s use of propaganda to develop educational materials promoting mandatory hijab, sexual morality, and family values. These ideals are being incorporated into curricula, training programs, and public campaigns, effectively imposing state-sanctioned cultural norms.
The experts warn that this will stifle freedom of expression and infringe on the rights to thought, religion, and belief.
Fear and Distrust in Society
The law deputizes ordinary citizens, requiring individuals, families, and businesses to report non-compliance. Technology will be used to identify violators, potentially creating a climate of fear and distrust.
Experts caution that this approach disproportionately affects children, young people, and social media users, while also increasing the risk of violence against women and girls. It perpetuates systemic gender-based discrimination and fosters division within Iranian society.
Call for Immediate Action
In light of these concerns, the experts have called for the immediate repeal of the hijab law and all other discriminatory legislation.
Role of Human Rights Experts
Independent human rights experts, or Special Rapporteurs, are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to monitor and report on specific human rights issues or situations in countries.
These experts operate independently of the UN and governments, do not receive UN salaries, and are tasked with impartial reporting based on their findings.
