Overview of Human Rights in Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a constitutional theocratic republic. Respect for human rights in Iran is not a top priority for the regime in power.

In November 2004, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Iran.  The resolution cited Iran’s failure to comply with international standards in the administration of justice, the absence of due process of law, the refusal to provide fair and public hearings and right to counsel, and forms of systemic discrimination.  Instead of improving, Iran’s already poor human rights record has worsened in the months since this statement was released.

Abuses such as extra-judicial executions, rape, torture, stoning, flogging, harsh prison conditions, and incommunicado detention are committed by members of the security forces and members of the government.

Citizens of Iran have limited options available to them in expressing opposition to the government. Indeed, at the political level, the government controls the selection of candidates for elections. As well, the government uses torture and ill-treatment to punish those who dissent, and it also uses the judiciary to punish dissent and obstruct progress in the area of human rights.

Privacy rights as well as the freedoms of press, speech, religion, assembly, and association are also limited by the government. Official corruption and lack of government transparency further exacerbate the situation.

Violence, as well as legal and societal discrimination against homosexuals and ethnic minorities, are  widespread.

Trafficking in persons and child labor are other human rights concerns in the region.

The government continues to restrict the work of human rights groups and often denies entry to the United Nations Special Representative for Iran of the Commission on Human Rights (UNSR) into Iran.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

96th out of 107

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.