SRINAGAR: UN-appointed experts have condemned Iran’s new hijab law, calling it a fundamental violation of women’s rights and a severe escalation of State control over women’s bodies. The independent human rights experts warned that the law, which applies to girls as young as 12, introduces extreme penalties, including extended prison sentences of up to 15 years, heavy fines, and, in the most extreme cases, the death penalty under the charge of “corruption on earth.”
The legislation, known as the Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab, represents a significant intensification of existing restrictions on women’s rights. While the hijab has been mandatory under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code for years, the new law expands its reach to include online spaces, further extending the government’s control over women’s lives. Human rights experts warned that the law’s provisions go beyond personal enforcement, embedding mandatory veiling and the “culture of chastity” into Iranian society. Educational curricula, training programs, and public information campaigns are now required to promote these state-imposed values.
“This law constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights, including women’s rights to equality, freedom of expression, religion and belief, bodily autonomy, liberty, security, and privacy,” the experts said. They expressed deep concern over the climate of fear the law is likely to create, as it transforms ordinary citizens into enforcers of state policy. Families, businesses, and individuals are mandated to report instances of unveiling, and technology will be used to monitor and enforce compliance.
The experts cautioned that the law would likely escalate violence against women and girls, further entrenching gender-based discrimination. “This law creates a comprehensive system of gender-based persecution,” they said. “We call upon the Government of Iran to immediately repeal the Hijab and Chastity Law and all other discriminatory legislation that perpetuates gender-based persecution.”
The experts are currently in contact with the Iranian government regarding the matter, and have reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the repeal of the law. As Special Rapporteurs and independent human rights experts, they have no ties to any government and serve in their individual capacities.
