In recent years, Iranian society has witnessed a renewed effort to enforce strict regulations regarding the dress code and hijab for women in public spaces. These actions, aimed at imposing a specific type of dress on women, have sparked significant debates both domestically and internationally. This article aims to examine the recent actions of the Iranian government in this regard and analyze the profound consequences of violating citizens’ privacy. By examining the mutual influence of these actions and international human rights laws, as well as the domestic legal framework in Iran, a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding this issue can be achieved.

With a special focus on international human rights laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), we will examine how the actions of the Iranian government regarding women’s hijab violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. In addition, we will analyze the domestic legal framework in Iran, including its constitution, to understand the legal basis of these actions and their implications for the right to privacy. Ultimately, this investigation aims to contribute to a broader discourse on human rights and privacy in Iran and highlights the need for a precise understanding of the complex social-cultural and legal factors at play. By critically evaluating the recent actions of the Iranian government regarding women’s hijab, we can better understand the challenges faced by citizens in defending their right to privacy in an increasingly regulated public sphere.

In recent months, the Islamic Republic has intensified its efforts to impose its desired coverage on society using various tools – from the Basij and morality police to extra-legal measures. These actions have significantly restricted freedom of speech and movement for women and raised serious questions about the violation of individuals’ privacy rights.

The Iranian government, throughout history after the revolution, has enforced a mandatory dress code as part of their interpretation of Islamic laws, which requires women to wear hijab in public places. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a significant intensification of efforts to enforce a stricter version of this mandatory dress code, reflecting broader social and political changes. In the past, while hijab was mandatory, its enforcement was often more lenient, although violations were usually suppressed. However, in recent years, efforts to ensure compliance with the government’s desired form of mandatory dress code have intensified. A significant shift occurred in 1402 when the Islamic Consultative Assembly passed a law with the aim of strengthening the enforcement of hijab regulations. This law granted the Moral Security Police, officially known as the Guidance Patrol, broader powers to monitor and enforce compliance with dress code laws.

According to this law, the morality police are authorized to stop and interrogate women suspected of violating hijab regulations in public places. They have the power to punish individuals or even arrest those who appear to be violating the mandatory hijab law. These actions not only create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, but also significantly impact women’s freedom of expression and movement. In addition, the law gives the morality police broad powers to interpret and enforce hijab standards, leading to arbitrary and often discriminatory actions. Women are evaluated based on their clothing and as a result, many cases of harassment and abuse are seen.

The enforcement of hijab regulations is also expanding to online spaces, and the authorities monitor the social media platforms for content that goes against the standards set by the government. Women who express their opposition or challenge traditional interpretations of hijab are faced with censorship, harassment, or even arrest. Such actions not only violate women’s freedom of expression, but also have a profound impact on their right to privacy. The presence of morality police in public spaces, accompanied by threats of fines or imprisonment, creates a pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and control.

In addition, the increasing strictness in enforcing mandatory hijab imposes an unfair burden on women and exacerbates existing gender inequalities. They are forced to comply with a set of restrictive and often contradictory laws governing their clothing, which limits their independence and agency. In essence, the Iranian government’s approach to women’s hijab reflects a broader trend of self-reliance and social conservatism, in which the state seeks to exert control over individuals’ choices and personal behavior. By empowering the morality police to enforce strict dress codes, the Iranian government not only violates women’s fundamental rights, but also undermines principles of privacy and individual autonomy.

The actions of the Iranian government regarding women’s hijab are contradictory to several international human rights documents, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These violations are especially evident in the restriction of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression for women. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, which includes the freedom to express one’s beliefs in action, both individually and in community with others. By forcing hijab and enforcing strict dress codes, the Iranian government compels women to conform to a particular interpretation of Islamic customs, thereby violating their freedom of religion. This imposition deprives women of autonomy in expressing their religious beliefs or lack thereof according to their own conscience. Furthermore, the enforcement of mandatory hijab laws weakens women’s right to freedom of expression, as stated in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Freedom of expression encompasses various forms of expression

In addition, imposing mandatory hijab laws perpetuates gender-based discrimination and violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international human rights laws. The Iranian government, by enforcing restrictive dress codes that do not apply to men, discriminates against women based on their gender and deprives them of equal rights and opportunities. The implementation of hijab regulations also limits women’s access to education, employment, and public participation, further exacerbating gender inequalities in Iranian society. In fact, women who choose not to comply with hijab requirements face obstacles in education and employment, effectively limiting their opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

The actions of the Iranian government regarding women’s hijab not only violate international human rights laws, but also undermine principles of dignity, autonomy, and equality. Imposing mandatory dress codes for women deprives them of the right to determine their own destiny and perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. In order to uphold its international human rights commitments, the Iranian government must respect women’s rights to religious freedom, expression, and equality, and support them in having independence over their choice of clothing and personal beliefs.

Article 25 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes special rights and freedoms, including the right to privacy. This constitutional provision emphasizes the importance of privacy as a fundamental right for Iranian citizens. It establishes a legal framework that protects individuals from unlawful intrusion into their personal lives and communications. However, recent actions regarding women’s hijab demonstrate a significant deviation from these constitutional principles. Empowering authorities, especially the morality police, to enforce strict dress codes puts individuals under arbitrary inspection and surveillance based on their appearance, ultimately weakening their right to privacy. The arbitrary nature of these enforcement measures is particularly concerning as it goes against the spirit of Article 25 of the Iranian Constitution. Instead of protecting individuals’ right to privacy, the enforcement of hijab regulations allows for arbitrary stops, searches, and interrogations based solely on perceived violations of women’s dress.

In addition, the extensive powers granted to the Moral Police by the recent law exacerbate the likelihood of abuse and violation of privacy rights. Women are often subjected to intrusive interrogations in public spaces, leading to a pervasive sense of surveillance and control. Furthermore, the enforcement of dress code regulations extends beyond physical spaces and also includes online platforms. The monitoring and censorship of social media restricts individuals’ ability to freely express themselves online, further infringing on their privacy rights.

These actions not only violate the constitution, but also undermine the essential principles of privacy and autonomy for a free and democratic society. The enforcement of hijab regulations in Iran, by empowering authorities to interfere in individuals’ lives and personal choices, creates a dangerous precedent for weakening civil liberties and human rights.

The Iranian government must refrain from enforcing its own interpretation of hijab regulations and ensure the protection of individual rights in order to fulfill its commitments to its constitution and respect the rights of its citizens. This requires a reassessment of current policies and methods to align with the principles of privacy, dignity, and freedom outlined in the Iranian constitution.

Enforcing strict hijab regulations not only violates women’s individual rights, but also contributes to a widespread invasion of citizens’ privacy. The presence of morality police and fear of retaliation for non-compliance weakens the sense of privacy and autonomy in public spaces. The implementation of stricter hijab regulations has led to a significant increase in the presence of morality police in urban areas, especially in crowded public spaces such as streets, parks, and markets. The mere presence of these authorities creates a sense of discomfort and anxiety among citizens, especially women, as they are constantly aware of being under surveillance. They are at risk of being stopped, interrogated, and punished for wearing their preferred clothing, which significantly restricts their freedom of movement and expression. Women must constantly navigate the risk of being stopped or harassed by morality police, which increases stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

In addition, the widespread implementation of hijab regulations perpetuates a culture of fear and self-censorship. Individuals, both men and women, are hesitant to express themselves or participate in public activities due to concerns about legal consequences. This self-imposed restriction on behavior diminishes the sense of privacy and autonomy in urban environments, as individuals feel compelled to conform to societal norms and expectations. Furthermore, fear of retaliation for not adhering to hijab regulations extends beyond physical spaces to online platforms. Increased surveillance and censorship of social media further limits individuals’ ability to freely express themselves, as they fear being targeted for their opinions or clothing choices.

The impact of strict enforcement of hijab on citizens’ privacy is deep and multifaceted. It not only restricts individuals’ freedom of movement and expression, but also creates a pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and control. In order to restore a sense of privacy and autonomy in urban environments, there is a fundamental need to reconsider the approach to enforcing hijab and ensure the protection and respect of individuals’ rights. This includes promoting a culture of tolerance and acceptance that respects different perspectives and choices.

It should be noted that recent actions by the government of Iran regarding women’s hijab are indicative of a significant violation of individual and collective private rights. By enforcing strict dress codes and empowering police authorities to control women’s clothing, the government is violating international human rights standards and undermining the principles of freedom of expression and privacy. It is crucial to support these rights in order to create inclusive and respectful urban environments where individuals can freely express themselves without fear of surveillance or coercion. Efforts should be made to revoke these unjust actions and ensure that all citizens, regardless of gender, can exercise their rights to privacy and freedom.