remain limited by the Civil Code8, the Family Law9, and the Islamic Penal Code10, which contain
provisions effectively discriminating against women and fail to protect them adequately from
violence.11
In recent years (since this recommendation was made), the number of shelters for affected
women has increased, but despite this increase, the number is still a long way from an acceptable
level. The government's official data points to the existence of 31 centres of temporary residence
for women in need of shelter after being subjected to domestic violence, 31 health houses
providing services including healthcare for girls and 22 social rehabilitation centres.12 The State
Welfare organisation notes that these shelters accommodate approximately 2,000 women every
year.13 Despite these claims, human rights organisations have registered a lack of viable
alternative housing options for women and girls who are forced to run away from home, as there
are only 21 such shelters in the whole country, most of them having been established by human
rights organizations and not by the government.14 Human rights organisations' sources point to a
glaring discrepancy between the number of victims of domestic violence and the existing means
and mechanisms of support. These shelters lack the means to provide effective long-term support
to victims and some are geared towards prostitutes and drug addicts instead of domestic violence
victims.15 Additionally, these shelters exist only in major cities, lack resources and are poorly
advertised, with many such establishments focusing on reconciling and reuniting victims with
their abusive spouses.16
In general, women can get information on domestic abuse victim shelters through a government
Welfare organization hotline by dialing 123.17 Women in Iran are not protected from violence
under Iranian law, and they are subjected to sexual harassment, (gang) rape, murder, and acid
throwing in private and public places on a regular basis. Many of Iran’s constitutional provisions
actually exacerbate and condone violence against women18, such as men’s impunity in certain
honour killings of women and children.19 Iran’s political and judicial systems have been opposed
to legislation that protects women from violence, including proposals to build shelters for
8
The Civil Code: https://shenasname.ir/laws/6664
The Family Law: https://shenasname.ir/subjects/family/1470
10
The Islamic Penal Code: https://shenasname.ir/subjects/salamat/1571-mojazat92
11
This information is up-to-date and accurate as of early February 2021. For more up to date information on the passage of this
bill, please click the following link: http://www.impactiran.org/vawbill
12
Iran’s Second UPR Mid-term report, 2015 https://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session20/IR/Iran2ndCycle.pdf
13
Annual statistics of the country's Welfare Organization. http://www.behzisti.ir/
14
All Human Rights for All in Iran: Submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review - 34th session of the UPR
Working Group of the Human Rights Council.
15
Minority Rights Group International and CSHR https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1203136/download
16
Minority Rights Group International and CSHR https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1203136/download
17
Welfare Organization’s hotline: http://123.behzisti.ir/
18
https://iranhumanrights.org/2018/11/iran-must-pass-legislation-to-protect-women-against-violence/ and
https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/24000/mde130742012en.pdf
19
Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/24000/mde130742012en.pdf
9
2