recognized transgender individuals. Additionally, gender segregation is enforced in some instances in higher education, restricting access of non-recognised transgender individuals and contributing to the risk of harassment and bullying. 29 30 31 Even with state recognition, transgender individuals suffer from social stigma, impacting their opportunity to seek and obtain employment.32 The Iranian legal framework does not protect adequately the rights of individuals from religious and ethnic minorities. Article 14 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran 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.” Additionally, although Article 19 of the Constitution protects the equal rights of “ethnic group or tribe” regardless or “color, race, language, and the like” it omits an explicit provision recognizing religion or belief as a protected characteristic against discrimination.33 Article 23 of the Constitution stipulates that “the investigation of individuals’ beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.” 34 These protections, however, only apply to those “who refrain from engaging in conspiracy or activity against Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”35 The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran names the Twelver Ja’fari School of Shia Islam as the state religion. Only Muslim minorities (including Sunnis), Zoroastrian, Jewish and Christian Iranians are recognized under the Constitution.36 Many elements of Iran’s domestic legal framework discriminate between Shia Muslims, Muslim and non-Muslim minorities, including also recognized minorities. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, candidates for the presidency must follow the official religion of the State, as well as for members of the Assembly of Experts, the Guardian Council or the Expediency Council, excluding Muslim and non-Muslim minorities from holding high governmental positions. 37 Further, Article 881 of the Civil Code bars non-Muslims from inheriting property from Muslims. A new rule proclaimed in January 2020, will only allow citizens to register as one of 29 OutRight International, 2016, https://outrightinternational.org/sites/default/files/OutRightTransReport.pdf Human Rights Watch, 2012, https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/09/22/iran-ensure-equal-access-higher-education 31 Iranian Lesbian & Transgender Network (6Rang), 2015, https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CRC/Shared%20Documents/IRN/INT_CRC_NGO_IRN_19808_E.pdf 32 OutRight International, 2016, https://outrightinternational.org/sites/default/files/OutRightTransReport.pdf 33 The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 34 The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 35 Article 14, The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 36 Articles 12 and 13 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 37 The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 30 4