The publication "A Call for Urgent Action: Freedom of Association and Assembly in Iran" addresses the alarming crackdown on civil society in Iran, where authorities are systematically dismantling independent civic action and spreading fear among activists. This report, compiled by the Volunteer Activists Institute, provides a critical overview of the shrinking civic space in Iran and the extreme measures taken by the government to silence dissent.

The report details the dire situation faced by various civil society activists, particularly those involved in environmental causes, labor unions, and human rights defense. Environmental activists, for instance, face severe persecution, with eight currently imprisoned on charges of espionage, and four of them potentially facing the death penalty. The case of Dr. Kavous Seyed Emami, an environmental expert who died under mysterious circumstances in detention, exemplifies the lethal risks faced by those who dare to challenge the state.

Human rights defenders and lawyers are also targeted with harsh sentences, as demonstrated by the cases of Nasrin Sotoudeh and Narges Mohammadi, who have been sentenced to 38 and 16 years in prison, respectively, under fabricated charges. These violations are compounded by a judiciary that lacks independence and routinely disregards due process in cases involving human rights advocates.

The report also raises concerns about proposed legislation that would further stifle independent journalism in Iran. The Iranian Parliament is considering a draft bill to establish a Media Council, which would have the power to issue or revoke journalist licenses, effectively ending independent journalism in the country.

In response to these severe human rights violations, the report calls on the international community and civil society partners to demand greater accountability from the Iranian government. It urges Iranian authorities to respect the rights of citizens to establish and engage with civil society organizations, to recognize the right to peaceful assembly, and to create a legal environment that allows for the free operation of labor unions and other civic groups.

The report further calls for the amendment of restrictive laws, such as the Code of Criminal Procedure and Cybercrime Laws, to align with international human rights standards. It also demands the unconditional release of all civil society representatives, human rights defenders, and citizens who have been unjustly detained for exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression.

This publication is a critical call to action, urging immediate reforms to protect the fundamental freedoms of association and assembly in Iran. The full report is available for download below.