The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports of intensified efforts to track and punish Iranian women who refuse to wear the headscarf mandated by Islamic law. The UN Human Rights Office has raised alarm over a proposed bill that would impose harsher penalties on women seen in public without the hijab, particularly targeting young girls as young as 15 years old.
Enforcement of the hijab law has been on the rise in recent months, with authorities cracking down on women and girls who choose not to adhere to the dress code. There have been numerous reports of arrests and harassment, with many of the affected individuals being between the ages of 15 and 17. Iranian police have ramped up efforts to ensure compliance with the hijab rule, leading to the closure of businesses and the use of surveillance cameras to identify women without headscarves.
The catalyst for this increased enforcement appears to be the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022, who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the headscarf law. Her tragic death sparked widespread protests against the government, prompting a harsh response from authorities. The creation of a new enforcement body by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran signals a more aggressive approach to enforcing the mandatory hijab laws in public spaces.
The proposed draft of the new hijab bill includes severe punishments for violators, including up to 10 years in prison, flogging, and fines. The UN Human Rights Office has called for the shelving of this bill, citing concerns about the infringement of individual rights and freedoms. In addition to condemning the crackdown on women’s dress choices, the office has also called for the release of individuals imprisoned for expressing their opinions and supporting protests.
One such individual is Toomaj Salehi, a rapper who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the nationwide protests following Amini’s death. Salehi, 33, was arrested in October 2022 for publicly backing the uprising and has since been held in custody. The UN Human Rights Office has demanded the release of all individuals detained for exercising their freedom of expression, including artistic expression.
The situation in Iran highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and individual freedoms in the country. The UN’s condemnation of the crackdown on women’s dress choices and the imprisonment of individuals for expressing their opinions underscores the need for greater respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. As international pressure mounts on Iran to uphold human rights standards, it is crucial for authorities to reconsider their approach to enforcing laws that infringe on individual liberties.
In conclusion, the UN’s stance on the situation in Iran sends a clear message that violations of human rights will not be tolerated. The international community must continue to advocate for the protection of individual freedoms and hold governments accountable for their actions. The plight of Iranian women and individuals like Toomaj Salehi serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding human rights principles in all circumstances.