Structural discriminations deeply entrenched in the Iranian legal system ultimately translate in
practice in widespread discriminations against women, in all aspects of their lives.13 There are a
number of mechanisms where Iranian citizens can report violations of their rights in the Islamic
Republic of Iran, including the Parliament’s Article 90 Commission,14 or Oversight Bodies for
the exercise of Citizenship Rights in the country's provincial courts.15 However, and as
aforementioned, gender discrimination is inherent to the Iranian legal framework. Consequently,
there is little opportunity for one’s complaint in that matter to be adequately addressed and
properly adjudicated in compliance with international standards. There is no independent
National Human Rights Institution competent to receive complaints from children, including
girls, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. With regards to illegal acts of violence against women
under Iranian law, there is no readily available information that might suggest that complaints
are adequately addressed, investigated, and adjudicated.
The status of women in the Islamic Republic of Iran is far from complying with international
standards as set under Article 2, 3 and 23 of the ICCPR and women do not enjoy equal rights and
freedoms. Reportedly, Ali Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader, has called gender equality
‘one of the biggest mistakes of Western thought.’16 This might well suggest that the Islamic
Republic of Iran is not currently considering taking steps to address the structural and
institutionalized discrimination against women in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even though The
Government engaged in steps to enhance the status of women in practice, notably with regards to
the right to work, these measures have yet to bear their fruits and ultimately do not address the
unequal status of women under Iranian law. In effect, the equal enjoyment of rights and
freedoms for women in the Islamic Republic of Iran is not guaranteed.17
B. Religious or ethnic minorities
Article 19 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran, guarantees that all people in Iran enjoy
equal rights, “regardless of the tribe or ethnic group to which they belong” and that “colour, race,
language, and other such considerations shall not be grounds for special privileges.” Though this
article seemingly protects ethnic and linguistic minorities, the constitution omits religious or
belief identity as a protected characteristic. Additionally, article 14 of the Constitution sets out
that the government and Muslims in Iran are “duty-bound to treat non-Muslims in conformity
with ethical norms and the principles of Islamic justice and equity, and to respect their citizen
rights,”18 but this duty applies only to those “who refrain from engaging in conspiracy or activity
13
See more: Minority Rights, https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MRG_CFR_Iran_EN_Sept191.pdf
The Article 90 Commission was established to receive the citizens' complaints against government institutions and has the
responsibility to review them and transmit cases for judicial procedure accordingly.
15
These committees have the responsibility to oversee the strict implementation of the "Law on Respect for Legitimate Freedoms
and Civil Rights”
16
Minority Rights, https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MRG_CFR_Iran_EN_Sept191.pdf
17
See more : Minority Rights, https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MRG_CFR_Iran_EN_Sept191.pdf
18
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, General Principles (Chapter I, Article 14):
http://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution.php
14
3