Iran Faces Demands for Investigation into Teen’s Death and Repeal of Strict Dress Code
Human rights experts have called for an independent investigation into the death of a teenager in Iran’s capital, Tehran, and the repeal of the country’s strict dress code. Armita Geravand, a young girl, tragically lost her life after allegedly collapsing in the subway following an altercation about not wearing a headdress or hijab.
International reports, citing state media, confirmed the news of Ms. Geravand’s death on Saturday. Expressing shock and outrage, the experts condemned the incident and urged for a prompt and impartial investigation into her death. The Iranian government has claimed that she suffered brain damage from her fall, but doubts have been raised about this explanation.
The experts strongly emphasized that women and girls should not face punishment or be at risk of losing their lives for their choice of clothing. They reiterated concerns about the enforcement of a dress code on women and girls and the use of excessive and unlawful force against those who do not comply.
This tragic incident comes on the heels of the redeployment of Iran’s so-called morality police in late July. The experts have expressed concern about the Chastity and Hijab Law, which they fear infringes upon the principles of gender equality and other fundamental freedoms.
Drawing attention to previous incidents, the experts noted that similarities can be seen between the circumstances of Ms. Geravand’s death and the death of Jina Mahsa Amini. Ms. Amini, a 22-year-old, was arrested in Tehran in September 2022 for failing to comply with the already strict hijab law and later died while in custody.
The lack of independent investigations into the deaths of women and girls during the subsequent protests has also raised grave concerns and disappointment among the experts. They further highlighted the reprisals faced by women, including celebrities, for refusing to comply with the mandatory dress code. Such reprisals have included job loss, jail sentences, and forced labor.
To address these violations, the experts called upon the Iranian authorities to take necessary steps such as amending the Constitution, repealing discriminatory laws, including compulsory dress codes, and dismantling regulations that monitor or control women’s dress and behavior.
The experts expressed their deep concern and alarm over the prevailing policies and practices in Iran that lead to gender persecution against women and girls, urging the government to put an end to such human rights violations.
Among those who issued the statement were Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, as well as the members of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.
These experts, who receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council, serve to advocate for human rights and work independently to ensure their protection.
