Joint Statement by a Group of Countries at the UN Human Rights Council; Respect the Rights of Iranian Women and Girls

At the UN Human Rights Council meeting on Wednesday, a group of countries, led by Canada, issued a joint statement condemning the passage of the 'Chastity and Hijab' law by the Iranian Parliament. This statement, supported by at least 40 UN member countries including the United States, emphasizes that this law exacerbates systematic discrimination against Iranian women and worsens their conditions. The member countries pointed out that 'mandatory hijab' is a violation of women's rights and called for the immediate repeal of this law, urging Iranian authorities to respect the rights of Iranian women and girls and protect them against discrimination and repression. The statement adds that the Iranian Parliament significantly intensifies penalties for women and girls who do not comply with the 'oppressive mandatory dress codes' of the Iranian government, seeking to impose an unprecedented social and economic siege on 'non-compliant' women through travel bans, deprivation of education, access to healthcare, and other public services, while making it mandatory for private actors, including business owners. The statement also expressed grave concern over reports of the use of artificial intelligence and digital facial recognition technology for monitoring, arresting, and punishing women. The signatories of this statement asserted that women and girls in Iran should not be treated as second-class citizens and must enjoy their human rights free from discrimination, surveillance, and fear of punishment. The issuers of this statement concluded by stating that one year after the onset of the nationwide movement with the slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom,' they urge Iranian authorities to heed the legitimate demands of the protesters and adhere to their commitments under international law, including regarding women's rights and gender equality. Two weeks ago, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed regret over the passage of the 'stricter' hijab-related bill by the Iranian Parliament and the increase in prison penalties and heavy fines for non-compliance with mandatory hijab in Iran. Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, also called for the repeal of this 'oppressive' bill last week, emphasizing that it contradicts international laws. Javide Rahman, the UN Special Rapporteur monitoring Iran, recently described the status of women's rights in the Islamic Republic as 'gender apartheid' and called for international actions to hold human rights violators in Iran accountable. The repression and killing of protesters one year after the death of Mahsa in conversation with Michelle Taylor – Part 2. The Iran Human Rights Organization regarding Armita Garavand: The Islamic Republic has a long history of concealing crimes. Reactions to the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill in Iran | Critics: Unclear and discriminatory; Defenders: Critics are anti-family. In response to Javide Rahman's statements, the Islamic Republic accused him of 'supporting terrorism.' The U.S. criticism of the mandatory hijab law in Iran; a step backward for women's rights, human rights, and religious freedom. The High Commissioner for Human Rights: The 'oppressive' and 'humiliating' hijab bill in Iran should be repealed.