In an article published on September 1, 2023, UN News sheds light on worrying developments regarding the new draft law in Iran. This law imposes new punishments on women and girls who don’t wear the headscarf in public. A group of UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts expressed deep concern about this draft law. They hold that this draft law could be viewed as a form of gender apartheid, as authorities seem to govern through discrimination designed to suppress women and girls. Added to the existing laws, they say they could amount to gender persecution. Among the main concerns of the experts is that it imposes harsh punishments for non-compliance, which could lead to violence. They added that it violates fundamental rights such as the right to participate in culture, the right to freedom of expression, the right to peaceful protest, and the right to social, educational, and health services. These developments come after months of protests over Jina Mahsa Amini’s death and restrictive veiling laws. The 22-year-old was arrested in Tehran by the morality police for allegedly not complying with hijab laws. Her death is reported to have resulted from being severely beaten at a police station. Despite reports that she had been assaulted, Iranian authorities denied it. Furthermore, the Human Rights Council experts warn that women who are economically marginalized will suffer disproportionately from the new punishments. Also, managers and directors of organizations who fail to enforce the law can also face punishment.
Gender, Politics, and Global Cultures
Collaborative East Carolina University Student Blog
