Iran – Submission to the Human Rights Council at the 48th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, January 2025

Ban Child Marriage and Raise the Legal Age:
Urge Iran to amend its Civil Code to set the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 for all, without exceptions, and fully enforce laws against child, early, and forced marriage.

Criminalize FGM Nationwide:
Call for the enactment of a clear, comprehensive law explicitly banning all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM), ensuring prevention, accountability, and survivor support.

Protect Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs):
Demand Iran stop the persecution of WHRDs, including arbitrary detention and harassment, and ensure their right to peaceful assembly, expression, and advocacy.

End Legal Discrimination and Violence Against Women:
Recommend urgent reform of discriminatory laws, adoption of comprehensive domestic violence legislation, and removal of barriers that restrict women’s legal rights and bodily autonomy.