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Iran

Monthly Event Reports

January 2024 | Deadliest terrorist attack since the founding of the Republic

On 3 January, the Islamic State (ISIS) carried out a devastating dual bombing at a commemoration ceremony in the city of Kerman, in southeastern Iran. The event was held in honour of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. The attack resulted in nearly 100 deaths and more than 200 injuries, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Iran since the 1979 revolution. In late January, it was revealed that the U.S. had previously warned Iran of a potential ISIS threat, but it is unclear whether these warnings were heeded. Iranian dissidents have suggested the Iranian regime could be involved in the attack as a way to rally support amidst internal discontent. The situation remains tense, with fears of further violence in the country ahead of the legislative elections due in March.

July 2023 | Iran reinstates morality police to enforce strict hijab regulations
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Iran has reinstated the ‘morality police’ following a 10-month withdrawal due to nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. This reintroduction is accompanied by the regime's proclaimed "softer" approach towards hijab enforcement, with President Ebrahim Raisi advocating for respectful dialogue. The renewed campaign was announced on 17 July, with a strategy emphasizing persuasion and counselling with women not observing the hijab, rather than punitive measures. The new approach is also marked by the introduction of a law currently being drafted by Iran’s Judiciary committee of the legislature (Majlis). The aim of this legislation is to outline the norms for wearing the hijab and specify penalties for non-compliance. This legislative move indicates a shift towards legal mechanisms for enforcing hijab compliance, rather than relying solely on the morality police. The regime's reinstatement of the morality police and changes to enforce Islamic dress codes are viewed sceptically, seen as a deceptive tactic to intensify repression and curb unrest especially ahead of Amini's death anniversary and rising female protests. Despite government efforts, many women continue to resist hijab enforcement efforts.

May 2023 | Rise in the number of executions and other human rights violations

Iran witnessed a wave of executions throughout May, targeting protesters, individuals accused of blasphemy, and those linked to anti-government activities. The killings have sparked international condemnation and concerns over Iran’s continued capital punishment practices. Executions in Iran have become increasingly common, highlighting the pressing issues surrounding Iran's legal system and its impact on individual rights and freedoms. This trend reflects a broader increase in executions in the region. According to a new report by Amnesty International, Iran, along with other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, witnessed a significant surge in executions in 2022 compared to previous years. Similarly, the UN reports an average of 10 executions per week in Iran, with over 200 carried out this year, potentially making 2023 the deadliest year since 2015 when 972 executions were recorded.

April 2023 | Intensified crackdown on hijab violations

The government announced this month a series of new strategies to prevent and penalize hijab violations that include the use of surveillance technology and targeting of private businesses. Following the violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began last September, more women across Iran have defied the headscarf dress code and gone unveiled in public spaces. Iranian authorities are taking new measures to crack down on violations of the hijab requirements and have denied unveiled women access to public and educational services. The Iranian police have installed cameras in public spaces to detect women who violate the hijab mandate and stated that those identified would receive a ‘warning text message’. As part of the new measures, the authorities are penalizing businesses that allow unveiled women customers. As a result, more than 150 business establishments have been closed and nearly 1000 people have been left unemployed.

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GSoD Indices Data 2013-2022

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Basic Information

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Population Tooltip
85 028 760
System of government
Theocratic Republic
Head of government
President Ebrahim Raisi (since 2021)
Head of government party
Combatant Clergy Association
Electoral system for lower or single chamber
Two-Round System
Women in lower or single chamber
5.6%
Women in upper chamber
Not applicable
Last legislative election
2020
Head of state
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Selection process for head of state
Indirect election ('electoral college' - body elected for the express purpose)
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) date
08/11/2019
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) percentage of recommendations supported
43.47%
Population Tooltip
85 028 760
System of government
Theocratic Republic
Head of government
President Ebrahim Raisi (since 2021)
Head of government party
Combatant Clergy Association
Electoral system for lower or single chamber
Two-Round System
Women in lower or single chamber
5.6%
Women in upper chamber
Not applicable
Last legislative election
2020
Head of state
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Selection process for head of state
Indirect election ('electoral college' - body elected for the express purpose)
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) date
08/11/2019
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) percentage of recommendations supported
43.47%
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Human Rights Treaties

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State Party State party
Signatory Signatory
No Action No action
United Nations Human Right Treaties
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
State Party
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
State Party
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
State Party
Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
No Action
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment
No Action
Convention on the Rights of the Child
State Party
International Convention on Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
No Action
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance 
No Action
International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
State Party
International Labour Organisation Treaties
Forced Labour Convention
State Party
Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention
No Action
Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention
No Action
Equal Remuneration Convention
State Party
Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
State Party
Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention
State Party
Convention concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment
No Action
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
State Party
in
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Performance by category over the last 6 months

Representation neutral Representation
Sep 2023
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb 2024
Representation neutral Rights
Sep 2023
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb 2024
Representation neutral Rule of law
Sep 2023
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb 2024
Representation neutral Participation
Sep 2023
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb 2024

Global State of Democracy Indices

Hover over the trend lines to see the exact data points across the years

Explore the indices
Representation
Representation
0
/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Rights
Rights
0
/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Rule of Law
Rule of Law
0
/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Participation
Participation
0
/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Annual value

Factors of Democratic Performance Over Time

Use the slider below to see how democratic performance has changed over time

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