The US Special Envoy for Iran's Deputy wrote on his 'X' account: 'The punitive mandatory hijab law in Iran is a step back for women's rights, human rights, and religious freedom. This law reflects the Iranian government's determination to suppress freedom and women's rights.' Abram Paley added: 'We continue to stand with the people of Iran as they peacefully seek democracy and their basic human dignity.' He also urged the Islamic Republic officials to repeal this 'oppressive law' and respect the rights of Iranian women. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed regret on Friday over the approval of a 'stricter' bill related to hijab by the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the increase in prison penalties and heavy fines for non-compliance with the mandatory hijab in Iran. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the bill titled 'Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Modesty and Hijab' as 'repressive and humiliating' and emphasized that women and girls in Iran should not be treated as second-class citizens. Volker Turk, the head of this commission, also stressed that this 'oppressive bill' contradicts international laws and called for its repeal. The statement from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also noted that under the provisions of the 'Modesty and Hijab' bill, Iranians can face up to 10 years in prison, flogging, fines up to 360 million rials, or face travel restrictions and internet access deprivation for not complying with strict Islamic dress codes, while under the previous law, non-compliance with the mandatory hijab resulted in a maximum of 2 months in prison or fines up to 500,000 rials.
US Criticism of Iran's Mandatory Hijab Law; A Step Back for Women's Rights, Human Rights, and Religious Freedom
The US and the UN have criticized Iran's new mandatory hijab law, describing it as a significant regression in women's rights and human rights. The law imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, reflecting the Iranian government's ongoing repression of freedoms. This situation highlights the international concern over Iran's treatment of women and its alignment with global human rights standards.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The US and UN criticized Iran's newly approved mandatory hijab law, which imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, marking a significant regression in women's rights and human rights in the country.
- The new law can impose up to 10 years in prison for non-compliance with hijab regulations.
- The law has been described as repressive and humiliating, contradicting international human rights standards.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of strict dress codes for women, and the mandatory hijab law has been a focal point for protests advocating for women's rights and personal freedoms.
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