A United Nations report accuses Iran of serious human rights violations related to the enforcement of hijab laws. Under the leadership of Sara Hossain, the fact-finding mission highlights technological surveillance of women’s attire and ongoing repression of dissent, including protests. Concerns have been raised about potential new laws restricting women’s rights.
A United Nations group has condemned Iran for severe human rights violations, particularly in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. The UN fact-finding mission, led by Sara Hossain, has raised alarm over the enforcement of the hijab mandate and highlighted the continued abuses occurring throughout Iran.
Hossain pointed out the troubling use of technology to monitor women’s attire. “We have seen evidence of surveillance through this app where certain vetted individuals report sightings of women without mandatory hijab in various public settings,” she stated. The ensuing police actions may result in warnings, fines, or even impounding of vehicles.
Moreover, Hossain discussed the global context of technology in policing, noting, “Many countries use facial recognition software to monitor protests; however, this unique application targeting women’s clothing compliance is decidedly unusual.” Despite the Iranian government’s promises to ease enforcement, she expressed her concerns regarding the potential introduction of a stricter hijab and chastity law.
The report also examined the involvement of the Revolutionary Guards in enforcing hijab regulations and underscored ongoing arrests of women not adhering to these mandates. Hossain remarked on the harsh repression of protests in 2022 and 2023, drawing attention to efforts to quell dissent among protesters and their supporters.
Hossain concluded, “Our investigation has taken place over two years. We identified severe repression of protests in 2022 and are currently witnessing an ongoing attempt to silence dissenting voices.”
The UN’s fact-finding mission has underscored significant human rights violations in Iran, particularly concerning the enforcement of the hijab mandate following Mahsa Amini’s death. The application of surveillance technology to monitor women’s compliance raises serious concerns, further complicated by the potential introduction of a new law. Despite governmental promises for less stringent enforcement, actions against dissent and the use of force suggest a troubling trajectory for human rights in Iran.
Original Source: news4sanantonio.com
