Iran has enacted new sanctions for violations of the nation’s dress codes, introducing stringent measures aimed at enforcing compliance. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), these regulations represent a significant escalation in the country’s approach to dress code enforcement, echoing past debates over individual freedoms and international human rights obligations.
The regulations, notably encapsulated in Article 49 of the legislation, impose heavy fines on women who fail to adhere to the hijab requirement. These fines may reach 500 million rials, equivalent to roughly USD 790. Beyond financial penalties, the law stipulates potential travel bans and restrictions on online activities for up to two years after four offenses. Severe breaches could lead to imprisonment for up to five years, a move HRW has criticized for its “draconian” nature.
The dissent from Iran’s current President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has been notable, given his previous campaign stance against rigorous hijab enforcement. Nevertheless, the measure has passed, signaling an intensified governmental push to regulate personal attire and expression.
Critics warn that these developments might further isolate Iran on the global stage, particularly as they pertain to human rights. The UN Human Rights Committee, in its observations regarding Iran’s adherence to international standards, had previously advocated for the repeal of such dress code laws. Yet, Iran’s non-signatory status to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women compounds the challenge of achieving progress in women’s rights protection.
The legislative landscape traces back to 2023, when the law on “Protection of the Family through Promoting the Culture of Hijab and Chastity” was proposed by former President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration. Furthermore, the law’s approval by the Guardian Council in September 2024 cements its legality and implementation.
This development comes in the wake of tragic incidents and civil unrest, notably the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which sparked the Women, Life, and Freedom protests. These protests underscored the societal tensions over dress code enforcement and governmental accountability, with Iran maintaining a hardline stance on such issues since the protests.