Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran: Human Rights Violations

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK is working with partners to establish a UN fact-finding mission on human rights in Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
  • UK has announced over 80 human rights sanctions targeting Iran.
  • UK sanctioned the morality police in Iran in its entirety in October 2022.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK's diplomatic actions to address human rights issues in Iran are under scrutiny.

Question

What diplomatic steps he is taking to tackle human rights violations in Iran. The Minister detailed Iran's dire human rights record, but what specific diplomatic measures have been implemented?

Answer from David Rutley

We detailed Iran's dire human rights record in the FCDO's annual report. The UK is at the forefront of holding Iran to account. At the United Nations Human Rights Council, we have worked with partners to establish a UN fact-finding mission. We have announced over 80 human rights sanctions since the start of the process and raise human rights with Iran at all appropriate opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific diplomatic steps other than general statements and sanctions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

Concerns over the excessive use of force by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against female protesters in Iran, with reinstatement of morality police patrols.

Question

I am sure the Minister will share my concern at the excessive use of force and violence by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against those women who are protesting. This week's news that the morality police are reinstating the hijab patrols illustrates the need for possible protections for those women. Has the Minister had any conversations with the Home Office about a potential visa scheme for those women and girls who have been instrumental in the protests, who may need to flee Iran?

Answer from David Rutley

These are very important and concerning issues. For decades, the morality police have used the threat of detention and violence to control what women wear and how they behave in public. The UK sanctioned the morality police in its entirety in October 2022. It is intolerable that that institution still exists in 2023. We will continue to focus on that.

Not addressed: Potential visa scheme for Iranian women protesters

How: Focusing On Existing Sanctions And Threats Instead Of Discussing A Potential Protection Measure

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email