USA: Women's Human Rights Defenders Must Operate Without Fear

On the International Day of "Women Human Rights Defenders," the U.S. Department of State expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of women and girls defending human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. In a statement released on December 9, the State Department emphasized that women around the world are striving to challenge inequalities and defend citizens' rights, facing threats, harassment, and gender-based violence both in the real world and online, yet remain unwavering in their commitment to human rights. The U.S. has stated that it will continue to support all human rights defenders and ensure they operate in a safe and open environment without fear of retaliation. The UN Women organization, which works for gender equality and women's empowerment, also paid tribute to the courage, resilience, and commitment of women and girls in advancing human rights on this day. The UN human rights body stated that women human rights defenders continue to build coalitions, hold human rights violators accountable, call for change, and advocate for peace despite various challenges and obstacles. The statement highlighted multiple threats facing "women human rights defenders," including gender-based violence, harassment, and attacks on the families of these activists. UN Women emphasized the vital role of "women human rights defenders" in supporting civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and collective rights, stating that their efforts to identify, promote, and defend these rights are crucial. The term "women human rights defenders" refers to those working on various human rights issues and includes individuals of all genders striving for women's rights and gender equality. This definition encompasses any civil society member who may not identify as a human rights defender or those working in non-traditional human rights fields, such as journalists, healthcare workers, environmentalists, and peace activists. In Iran, officials of the Islamic Republic are attempting to eliminate resistance to mandatory hijab following the nationwide protests of "Women, Life, Freedom," trying to instill fear in women and girls and increasing pressure on imprisoned women activists and their families. Nevertheless, Iranian women and girls, along with "women human rights defenders," continue to stand firm and strive for equal rights. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization reported that from the beginning of 2024 until November 25, at least 174 femicides, the arrest of 128 women, the execution of 24 women, the issuance of death sentences for three women activists, and prison sentences for 123 women activists have been recorded in Iran. The European Parliament: Discriminatory laws against women and girls in Iran should be repealed. A proposed resolution in the European Parliament against the increasing repression of women in Iran. Human rights organizations: Death sentences for political prisoners in Iran should be revoked. The UN fact-finding committee called for the immediate release of Narges Mohammadi. Amnesty International called for the immediate cancellation of the death sentence for Vrisheh Moradi. Claims by one of the designers of the "Chastity and Hijab" law; it will be announced on December 7. International calls on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Leila Hosseinzadeh, a student activist, was sentenced to prison in absentia. Hundreds of human rights violations by the Islamic Republic were recorded in November.