The UN reports on Iran highlight severe human rights violations, particularly related to the hijab enforcement post-Mahsa Amini’s death. The report notes the use of a surveillance app for compliance monitoring and concerns over potential new legislation. Additionally, it underscores the repression of protests and the ongoing arrest of non-compliant women.
The United Nations has reported serious human rights violations in Iran, particularly following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. These violations include the enforcement of the hijab mandate by the Iranian government, with evidence of a surveillance app being used to monitor women’s compliance in both private vehicles and public transport.
Sara Hossain, chair of the UN’s fact-finding mission on Iran, noted that this unusual application of technology for policing women’s dress is alarming. “Many countries around the world use facial recognition software to police protests and so on, but this seems to be very unusual in the way that women’s clothing and particularly their compliance with this rule about mandatory hijab is being applied,” remarked Hossain.
Despite the Iranian president’s promises to enforce hijab laws less strictly, Hossain expressed concern about a potential new hijab and chastity law. She indicated, “It’s been concerning to note that this new law… which hasn’t been promulgated yet, but the possibility of its promulgation remains, and we’re seeing stricter enforcement in some cases.”
The report highlights the involvement of the Revolutionary Guards in enforcing hijab mandates and the ongoing arrests of women who do not comply. Hossain pointed to the severe repression of protests, especially in 2022 and 2023, where there have been deliberate attempts to silence demonstrators and intimidate their families, lawyers, and the press.
In summary, the UN’s report underscores ongoing human rights abuses in Iran stemming from strict enforcement of the hijab mandate and the repression of protests. Despite promises for less rigorous enforcement, concerns remain regarding potential new legislation. The role of technology in monitoring compliance presents significant human rights implications, coupled with the aggressive actions taken against dissenting voices. The situation necessitates international attention and intervention.
Original Source: news4sanantonio.com
