Iran’s human rights record: cause for concern

The US State Department’s 2023 report on human rights paints a bleak picture of the situation in Iran. The report details widespread violations in seven key areas: human dignity, civil liberties, political participation, corruption, lack of cooperation with international investigations, discrimination and mistreatment of workers.

Deteriorating conditions and widespread abuse

The report points to a significant deterioration in the human rights situation compared to the previous year. Women face a host of discriminatory practices, including the mandatory hijab law. The number of executions increased by 37%, with 798 Iranian citizens put to death in 2023. Religious minorities, especially Baha’is, are routinely targeted.

Executions, torture and unfair trials

The report condemns the use of executions without due process, including those of juvenile offenders. Many executions take place in detention centers, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings. The so-called revolutionary courts are criticized for denying defendants access to lawyers and relying on coerced confessions extracted through torture. The report cites the unjust execution of three demonstrators in Isfahan as a good example. A disproportionate number of executions are carried out against ethnic minorities; in 2023, 28% belonged to minority groups.

Arbitrary detentions and cruel prison conditions

The report describes numerous cases of arbitrary arrests by plainclothes officers, often targeting lawyers, journalists and human rights activists. Incarceration in Iranian prisons is depicted as inhumane, with overcrowding, denial of medical care and physical abuse threatening the lives of detainees. The report notes widespread torture methods, such as threats of execution, sexual assault and forced drug administration. Several prisons are specifically mentioned as infamous torture sites. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of politically motivated detention, especially of people with dual nationality.

Extraterritorial repression and lack of freedom of expression

The report exposes the Iranian government’s attempts to silence dissent beyond its borders. Cases of revenge attacks, kidnappings and forced returns targeting Iranian expatriates have been documented. Freedom of expression in Iran is severely restricted, with citizens punished for criticizing the government, leadership or religion. Internet access is heavily filtered and censored.

Corruption and lack of transparency

The report criticizes widespread corruption within Iranian institutions, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and government agencies. It highlights the vast wealth controlled by tax-exempt endowment foundations that benefit clergy and military personnel. The Iranian government’s obstruction of international human rights investigations and its refusal to cooperate with the UN Special Rapporteur further increases concerns about a lack of transparency. Human rights activists operating in Iran are constantly harassed, interrogated and arrested.

Discrimination and restrictions on participation

Discrimination against women is an important theme in the report. The mandatory hijab law is highlighted, along with the threats and punishments faced by women who do not comply with the law. Women’s participation in the labor market is systematically limited; according to World Bank data, their labor market participation is less than 14%. The report also criticizes anti-Semitic rhetoric and discrimination against the Jewish community in Iran. Finally, the report identifies restrictions on peaceful political participation and violations of workers’ rights.

The need for urgent action

The US State Department report offers a damning indictment of Iran’s human rights record. The international community must take urgent action to put pressure on the Iranian regime to stop human rights violations.