UN Experts Urge Repeal of Iran's Strict New Hijab Law
Independent experts appointed by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council have issued a strong condemnation of Iran’s newly enacted legislation, labeling it a fundamental attack on women’s rights. Known as the Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab, the law intensifies state control over women’s lives and imposes stricter measures on those who fail to comply.
According to the UN experts, the legislation, which applies to girls as young as 12, combines harsh criminal penalties with mandatory public surveillance, embedding systematic enforcement throughout Iranian society.
Expanding Restrictions
Building on existing mandatory hijab requirements under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, this law broadens restrictions and imposes severe consequences for violations. Women and girls who fail to adhere to hijab regulations, whether in public or online spaces, now face harsher punishments than ever before.
Penalties include extended prison sentences of up to 15 years, substantial fines, and a provision allowing judges to impose the death penalty under charges of “corruption on earth.” This escalation has raised serious concerns among global human rights advocates, who warn of far-reaching implications for freedom and justice in Iran.
Widespread Impact on Society
The legislation goes beyond individual enforcement, embedding the principles of mandatory veiling and “the culture of chastity” into the fabric of Iranian society. The law mandates that educational curricula, training programs, and public campaigns promote these values, effectively institutionalizing a state-controlled moral framework.
UN experts have voiced alarm at this development, emphasizing that it constitutes a direct violation of fundamental human rights. “The law infringes on women’s right to equality, freedom of expression, religion and belief, bodily autonomy, liberty, security, and privacy,” the experts stated.
A Climate of Fear
The law’s enforcement mechanisms create a climate of fear and distrust by enlisting citizens as informants. Families, businesses, and individuals are required to report cases of unveiling, and technology is extensively used to monitor and enforce compliance.
“These measures will instill widespread fear and erode trust within communities,” the experts warned. Vulnerable groups, including children, young individuals, and social media users, are expected to bear the brunt of the law’s economic and social penalties.
Long-Term Consequences
The UN experts predict dire long-term effects from this legislation, particularly for women and girls. The enforcement of the law is expected to exacerbate violence and discrimination while entrenching systemic gender-based persecution in Iranian society.
“This comprehensive system of gender-based oppression demonstrates a blatant disregard for human rights,” the experts said. They called on the Iranian government to immediately repeal the Hijab and Chastity Law and other discriminatory policies that perpetuate inequalities and undermine fundamental freedoms.
A Call for Repeal
In their statement, UN experts stressed the importance of repealing this legislation and other discriminatory laws that target women and girls. “We urge the Iranian government to take immediate action to dismantle policies that promote gender-based persecution,” they said, confirming that they have been in contact with the government on these matters.
It is worth noting that the UN experts involved in this case serve in an independent capacity. They are not UN employees, receive no salaries for their work, and operate free from influence by any government.
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