UN Experts Condemn Iran’s New Hijab Law as Attack on Women’s Rights
Iran‘s New Hijab Law Sparks International Condemnation
UN Experts Warn of ‘Gender-Based Persecution’ and ‘Climate of Fear’
Geneva, Switzerland – A new law in Iran mandating stricter hijab enforcement has drawn sharp criticism from independent United Nations human rights experts who call it a “essential attack on women’s rights.” The Law on protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chasity and Hijab imposes severe penalties, including potential death sentences, for women and girls who fail to adhere to the country’s strict veiling requirements.
The law, which applies to children as young as 12, significantly escalates existing restrictions on women’s dress. While hijab requirements were already in place under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, this new legislation introduces dramatically harsher consequences. Violations can now result in prison sentences of up to 15 years, substantial fines, and even the death penalty under the charge of “corruption on earth.”
“This law constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights, legal norms and principles,” the experts emphasized in a statement. ”It severely limits freedom of expression and belief, and represents an intensification of State control over women’s bodies in Iran.”
beyond Individual Enforcement: A System of surveillance and Control
The law’s impact extends far beyond individual enforcement. It mandates the integration of “culture of chastity” principles into educational curricula, training programs, and public information campaigns, effectively creating a State-sanctioned value system.Perhaps most concerning is the law’s provision requiring individuals, families, and businesses to report instances of unveiling. This, coupled with the mandated use of technology for enforcement, transforms ordinary citizens into agents of the State, creating a “climate of fear and distrust among individuals and communities,” according to the experts.
Experts Fear Escalation of Violence and Discrimination
The experts warn that the law’s harsh penalties, combined with citizen surveillance and institutional enforcement, create a ”comprehensive system of gender-based persecution.” They fear it will lead to an escalation of violence against women and girls and further embed systematic gender-based discrimination in Iranian society.
“We call upon the Government of Iran to promptly repeal the Hijab and Chasity Law and all other discriminatory legislation that perpetuates gender-based persecution,” the experts urged, confirming they are in ongoing dialogue with the Iranian government on this matter.
Iran’s New Hijab Law: A Conversation with Dr.Shirin Neshat
NewsDirect3.com: the world is reacting with alarm to Iran’s new hijab law, with UN experts calling it a form of gender-based persecution. Today we are joined by Dr. Shirin Neshat, renowned artist and human rights advocate, to discuss the implications of this legislation. Dr. Neshat, thank you for speaking with us.
Dr. Shirin Neshat: It is my pleasure to be here. This law is deeply concerning and represents a perilous regression for women’s rights in Iran.
NewsDirect3.com: Can you elaborate on what makes this law so alarming?
Dr. Neshat: This law goes far beyond simply enforcing hijab. It introduces draconian penalties, including the death penalty, for women and girls who don’t adhere to strict veiling requirements. It also mandates the integration of a “culture of chastity” into all aspects of society, essentially imposing a state-sanctioned ideology on the Iranian people.
NewsDirect3.com: One of the most disturbing aspects is the requirement for citizens to report instances of unveiling. how will this affect Iranian society?
Dr. Neshat: This provision creates a climate of fear and distrust. It turns neighbors into informants and fundamentally undermines social bonds. Women will be constantly scrutinized and afraid to express themselves freely.
NewsDirect3.com: What do you see as the broader consequences of this law?
Dr. Neshat: This law reinforces a system of gender-based oppression and discrimination. It sends a chilling message that women’s bodies are subject to state control and that their voices will be silenced. It is indeed a serious setback for the progress that has been made towards gender equality in Iran.
NewsDirect3.com: what can be done to challenge this law?
Dr. Neshat: International pressure is crucial. The international community must condemn this law in the strongest possible terms and demand its repeal. We must also support Iranian civil society organizations and activists who are bravely fighting for women’s rights on the ground.
NewsDirect3.com: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr.Neshat. Your words are a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding human rights for all.