Concluding Observation Committee on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/IRN/CO/3-4 para
60(d)
Full recommendation
In the light of its general comment No. 18 (2014) on harmful practices, adopted jointly with the
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, take measures to enforce
article 663 of the Islamic Penal Code and to stop, effectively, the practice of female genital
mutilation throughout the country.
Assessment using Impact Iran human rights indicators1
Article 663 of the Islamic Penal Code (2013) prohibits cutting or damaging a woman's genitals
and sentences the practice with the payment of a diyat, or fine.2 The amount of a diyat is based
on the country’s currency value and depends on the gender of the victim: the Islamic Penal Code
stipulates that a man shall receive the full amount of the diyat while women shall only receive
half. According to Article 663, in case of such genital mutilation, the sentence of payment of
diyat amounts to half of the full diyat granted to woman, in other words, ¼ of the amount of the
diyat allocated to men. Additionally, Articles 706 and 708 criminalise acts that reduce the
possibility of lezate mogharebe (the joy of intercourse) or pregnancy.3
Despite these legal safeguards, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a
tradition within several provinces in Iran, notably in Kurdistan, Western Azerbaijan,
Kermanshah, Ilam, Lorestan and Hormozgan. Reportedly, in Hormozgan province, 60% of
women have been subjected to FGM.4 5 According to local media reports, especially in southern
Iran, the practice of FGM still regularly occurs.6
Despite the publication of a number of reports7 indicating that field studies have been conducted
by research institutions on FGM in Iran, there is no indication that the government has
implemented a specific program to eradicate it. Additionally, there is no mechanism to ensure the
full implementation of the prohibition of FGM in Iran.
1
CRC.19.1.S.1; CCPR.7.1.S.1
CRC.19.1.P.1; CRC.19.1.P.2; CRC.34.1.P.2; CCPR.7.1.P.1
CRC.19.1.O.3; CRC.34.1.O.2
2
Islamic Penal Code (2013):<https://shenasname.ir/subjects/salamat/1571-mojazat92 >
3
Minority Rights Group, https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MRG_CFR_Iran_EN_Sept191.pdf
4
Ahmady, K., A Comprehensive Research Study on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Iran, 2015.
5
Minority Rights Group, https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MRG_CFR_Iran_EN_Sept191.pdf
6
Sobhe Sahel, a local newspaper in Hormozgan province. < https://sobhesahel.com/news/27552/%22%20/h >
7
< https://www.rouydad24.com/fa/news/203470/ >
1