UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Criticizes 'Suppression' of Women in Iran and Calls for the Release of Tomaj Salehi

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the violent suppression of Iranian women by the Islamic Republic under strict mandatory hijab laws in a report released on Friday, April 26. The report states that the police and plainclothes forces of the Islamic Republic are executing violent suppression against women and girls, as well as men who support them, under stringent hijab laws in Iran. The Commissioner noted that reports have been received of the arrest, harassment, and abuse of women and girls, many of whom are aged 15 to 17. The report also mentions that the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran announced on April 21 the establishment of a new body to enforce current mandatory hijab laws, stating that members of the IRGC have been trained more rigorously for this purpose in public spaces. The UN High Commissioner further stated that hundreds of businesses have been shut down due to non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws, and surveillance cameras are being used to identify female drivers who do not adhere to these laws. The Commissioner expressed concern over the impending final approval of the 'Family Support Bill Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab' by the Guardian Council, which includes harsher penalties. While the latest draft of this bill has not been made public, a previous version specifies that individuals found guilty of violating mandatory dress codes could face up to 10 years in prison, flogging, and fines. The report states that 'corporal punishment is a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and any detention aimed at exercising fundamental freedoms is arbitrary under international law.' The Commissioner reiterated that this bill should be discarded. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the Islamic Republic to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, including through the review and repeal of harmful laws, policies, and practices in accordance with international human rights norms and standards. In another part of the report regarding Iran, the Commissioner called on the government to annul Salehi's death sentence and to release this imprisoned rapper immediately and unconditionally. The Commissioner also demanded the release of all individuals imprisoned by the Islamic Republic for expressing their opinions, beliefs, and artistic expression. The UN High Commissioner has called for a halt to the implementation of the death penalty. Despite widespread protests, the threat to women continues; the police announced that the 'Noor' plan will continue with strength. Shirin Ebadi called for international action to support women in Iran. More than 40 Iranian and international organizations have called for monitoring the human rights situation in Iran. Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb protested against the 'militarization' of Iran and the government's 'declaration of war' against women, stating, 'We will not remain silent.' An Amnesty International report indicated that the state of freedom of expression, the suppression of women, torture, and executions by the Islamic Republic worsened in 2023. Dozens of civil activists and political prisoners stated that the government's war against women's hair aims to create an atmosphere of fear and terror among the people. Another account of the 'Noor' plan to confront opponents of mandatory hijab indicates that agents also 'commit sexual assault' verbally.