GENEVA (Agencies): The United Nations Human Rights Committee expressed concerns about Iran’s treatment of women and girls, specifically highlighting the need for the disbandment of the country’s morality police.
The committee’s review of Iran’s human rights record also called for legislation protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, including domestic violence, marital rape, and so-called “honour” crimes.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in morality police custody last year, following her violation of the compulsory hijab rule, sparked nationwide protests. The committee recommended that Iran amend or repeal laws and policies criminalizing non-compliance with compulsory veiling and disband the morality police. Iranian authorities have enforced public dress codes using violence, leading to harassment, arrests, fines, and imprisonment for women not wearing the hijab.