Iran Leveraging Drones and Tech to Enforce Mandatory Hijab Laws: UN Study

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A recent report from the United Nations reveals that the Iranian government is utilizing drones and digital technology to monitor and enforce mandatory hijab laws for women and girls in the country. The hijab, a symbol of modesty and religion worn by Muslim women, has become a focal point of Iran’s strict enforcement measures.

This report comes in the wake of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests that began in September 2022 following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody in Tehran due to alleged violations of hijab rules. The UN report highlights Iran’s escalating efforts to crack down on dissent and restrict the rights of those advocating for human rights.

According to an independent human rights council report, women and girls as young as 12 are required to wear a hijab in both physical and online spaces. Violations of these laws can now result in severe punishments, including extended prison sentences of up to 15 years and hefty fines. The provision allowing judges to impose the death penalty on the charge of ‘corruption on earth’ is particularly alarming to human rights experts.

These measures are seen as a deliberate attempt to suppress the human rights and equality of women and girls in Iran. Those who defy the hijab laws face criminal penalties such as fines, long prison sentences, and in some cases, even the death penalty for peacefully advocating for their rights.

Despite calls for equality and justice, Iran has continued to ignore the demands of protesters. The criminalization, surveillance, and repression of individuals, especially women and girls, involved in peaceful protests is deeply concerning, according to Sara Hossain, chair of the fact-finding mission.

In response to the growing dissent, the Iranian government recently announced the establishment of a treatment clinic for women who do not comply with hijab laws. The country’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed criticism of the hijab laws, showing a potential shift in the government’s stance on the issue.

The full report will be presented to the Human Rights Council by the United Nations next week, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in Iran in the fight for their rights and equality.