Social and moral dilemmas

Social and Moral Dilemmas in Iran

Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

• Despite legal frameworks protecting women’s rights, social norms and cultural barriers often impede true gender equality. Maternal health and female literacy have improved, but women still face discrimination.
• Women’s participation in politics and their economic empowerment remain limited. The legal age for marriage is significantly lower for females than for males, contributing to the issue of child marriages.
• Women in Iran also face restrictions on their dress and behaviour, with enforced adherence to an Islamic dress code.

Ethnic and Religious Minorities

• Iran is home to many ethnic and religious minorities, including Kurds, Baluchis, Arabs, Christians, Bahá’í, Zoroastrians, and others. These groups often face discrimination and unequal treatment in legal, social, and economic aspects.
• The largest non-Muslim religious community, the Bahá’í, has been specifically targeted in the past, with restrictions on their right to practice their faith and access educational institutions.

Freedom of Speech and Expression

• Iran has a troubled record on freedom of speech and expression. Journalists, artists, and activists often face censorship, imprisonment, and harassment. Instances of Internet censorship and social media monitoring are common.
• Speaking out against government policies or officials can lead to retribution, leading to a climate of self-censorship.

Economic Inequalities and Poverty

• Despite a wealth of natural resources, Iran struggles with economic issues, primarily due to sanctions and mismanagement. The gap between the rich and the poor is significant.
• Unemployment rates are high, especially among young people and women, leading to social unrest and dissatisfaction. The poverty rate is significant, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities.

Death Penalty and Prison Conditions

• Iran is one of the world’s leading users of the death penalty, including for non-violent crimes and drug-related offenses. Prisons are often overcrowded with unsanitary conditions.
• Human rights groups have expressed concerns about torture, forced confessions, and unfair trials.

Child Rights

• Problems concerning child rights in Iran include child labour, child marriage, and the execution of juvenile offenders. Despite steps to address these issues, they remain persistent.
• Access to quality education is a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities. Coupled with poverty, this leads to child labour and the deprivation of childhood.