belief conditions (including belief in Islam and the principle of Wilayat Faghih4) set out in the
list of qualification requirements for candidacy, undermine the independence and effectiveness
of these councils in defending labour rights.5
In addition, the Law on the Activities of Political Parties and Groups of 1981 (amended in 1989)
is one of the key laws in this regard, governing the formation of political parties and civic
associations and formalizing the State’s tight control on political and civic associations. Article
6 Note 1 mandates all groups to report their mission statements as well as the identities of all its
members, while Note 2 undermines Article 27 of the Constitution (which ensures freedom of
Assembly) by implementing a permit system (issued by the Ministry of the Interior) for anyone
wanting to organize an assembly. Even though certain laws appear to guarantee the right to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the high level of ambiguity and space for
subjective interpretation of laws in Iran’s constitution and domestic law does not correspond
with international standards.6
There are no reports of the existence of relevant policies or regulations that would encourage the
creation of independent labour unions in Iran. The only national labour organization that has
been allowed to exist is the Iran Workers’ House or Kaneh Kargar which is controlled by
government officials and coordinates with the state-run Islamic Labour Councils.7
There are no readily available and accurate statistical data on labour union registrations in Iran,
yet there are reports of cases that point to the repeated suppression of existing unions and their
activities by the authorities. These unions include the Haft Tappeh sugarcane Workers union; the
Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company; Free Union of Iranian Workers and
many others. Members of these unions have reportedly been arrested, interrogated and even
tortured after participating in protests and demanding their labour rights. Peaceful
demonstrations are often met with displays of force by the government who often employ tear
gas to break up gatherings. More indirect ways of suppressing trade unions are often use by the
government, which is known for creating parallel unions that are reportedly obedient to the state,
such as the Islamic Council of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Complex.8
B. The Committee recommends that the Islamic Republic of Iran ensure that workers
can participate in strikes without facing reprisals.
4 Guardianship of an Islamic Jurist
5 https://shenasname.ir/laws/kar/6423
6
ESCR. General comment No. 23 (2016) on the right to just and favourable conditions of work (article7of the International
Covenanton Economic, Socialand Cultural Rights) p.1 and 49
ESCR General comment No.20 (2009) on Non-discrimination in economic, social and cultural rights. P.16
7
http://www.ictur.org/Profile_Iran.html
8
Labour Rights in iran, a Radio Zamaneh project: https://en.radiozamaneh.com/labor/ Labour Rights in Iran, Special Report
January 2019.
2