International experts call on Iran to repeal the law on “hijab and chastity”

The experts* said: “The new hijab law represents an intensification of state control over women’s bodies in Iran and constitutes another assault on women’s rights and freedoms.” They pointed to reports that the “Law to Protect the Family by Promoting a Culture of Chastity and Hijab” will enter into force today.

The law stipulates the punishment of those aged 12 or over who do not wear the hijab online or offline, and “promoting or advertising nudity” or “immodest or indecent clothing.”

The experts said – in a press release – that not wearing the hijab is already punishable by fines and imprisonment under Iran’s current Islamic Penal Code. They stated that the new law imposes larger fines and longer prison sentences of up to 15 years. It also allows judges to impose the death penalty under the crime of “corruption on earth.”

The experts said “The new law constitutes a clear violation of basic human rights and legal standards and principles, including women’s rights to equality, freedom of expression, religion and belief, bodily autonomy, freedom, security and privacy.”

They said its implementation would likely lead to an escalation of violence against women and girls and further systematically and structurally entrench gender-based discrimination and segregation in Iranian society. The experts said: “We call on the government of Iran to immediately repeal the Hijab and Chastity Law and all other discriminatory legislation that perpetuates gender-based oppression.”

The experts are: Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nazila Ghania, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; Reem Al-Salem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences, Laura Nyirinkinde (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tank, Ivana Krstić, and Hina Lo, Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, Alexandra Szanthaki, Special Rapporteur on The field of cultural rights, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

*It is noteworthy that special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is an intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. Rapporteurs and experts are tasked with studying human rights situations and submitting reports on them to the Human Rights Council. It should be noted that this position is honorary, and these experts are not considered employees of the United Nations and do not receive compensation for their work.