A UN report has accused Iran of serious human rights violations, focusing on hijab enforcement and repression of protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. Chairperson Sara Hossain detailed the use of surveillance technology and ongoing arrests of women, expressing concern over potential new laws and the violent measures taken against dissenting voices.
A recent United Nations report has condemned Iran for ongoing serious human rights violations in light of Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. The UN fact-finding mission, led by Chairperson Sara Hossain, has reported continuous abuses across the nation, particularly concerning the enforcement of the hijab mandate.
Hossain revealed that a surveillance app allows vetted individuals to report women without the mandated hijab in various public settings. She stated, “We’ve seen evidence of surveillance being done through this particular app where people can… report in if they see women in private vehicles… who don’t have the mandatory hijab.” Consequences may include fines or even vehicle impounding for offenders.
The report indicates an alarming use of technology to monitor women’s compliance with the hijab law. Hossain pointed out, “Many countries around the world use facial recognition software to police protests… but this seems to be very unusual in the way that women’s clothing… is being applied,” indicating a unique and troubling situation in Iran.
Despite pledges from Iran’s leadership to be less stringent, concerns linger regarding a potential new hijab and chastity law. Hossain remarked on the troubling trends of stricter enforcement and persistent possibilities for such a law to be enacted, noting, “the possibility of its promulgation remains, and we’re seeing stricter enforcement in some cases.”
Furthermore, the report sheds light on the role of the Revolutionary Guards and their “ambassadors of kindness” in enforcing hijab rules, as well as the ongoing arrests of women. Hossain also emphasized the severe repression faced by protesters, family members, and journalists during 2022 and 2023, elucidating attempts to silence dissent with the assertion, “This year what we’ve all been seeing is an attempt to kind of silence protesters.”
The UN report underscores serious human rights violations in Iran, particularly regarding the enforcement of the hijab mandate and the repression of protests. Despite claims of leniency from the new president, the potential for stricter legislation and the utilization of surveillance technology illustrate a concerning trend towards increased control over individual freedoms. The findings call for international scrutiny and action against these violations.
Original Source: news4sanantonio.com
