In this document, CIVICUS and VA examine the Government of the Islamic Republic ofIran’s compliance with its international human rights obligations to create andmaintain a safe and enabling environment for civil society. Specifically, we analyseIran’s fulfilment of the rights to the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly andexpression, and unwarranted restrictions on human rights defenders (HRDs) since itsprevious UPR examination in October 2014. To this end, we assess Iran’simplementation of recommendations received during the 2nd UPR cycle relating tothese issues and provide follow-up recommendations.

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During the 2nd UPR cycle, the Government of Iran received 101 recommendationsrelating to the space for civil society (civic space). Of these recommendations, 61 weresupported and 40 were noted. An evaluation of a range of legal sources and humanrights documentation addressed in subsequent sections of this submission, as well asconsultations with Iranian human rights activists and experts in exile, demonstratethat the Government of Iran has only partially implemented one recommendationrelating to civic space. The other 100 recommendations have not been implemented.The government has persistently failed to address unwarranted restrictions on civicspace since its last UPR examination, and acute implementation gaps were found withregard to the freedom of expression and issues relating to the freedoms of associationand peaceful assembly, and the treatment of HRDs.

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Iran remains one of the most restrictive countries in the world for HRDs, journalists,activists and bloggers, as the government systematically persecutes anyone reportingon the actions of the state or human rights violations. Even though the constitutionguarantees the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression, in practicerestrictive legislation and policies are used to target journalists, HRDs, bloggers andother citizens who express views contrary to those of the government. The authoritiesoften fail to respect the rule of law, and legal and judicial processes are controlled bythe state. HRDs and journalists are often handed lengthy sentences onunsubstantiated security-related charges, denied access to medical and legal3assistance and sometimes only informed of sentences months after they have beenpassed without the knowledge of those accused or their lawyers. Many jailed HRDsand journalists are forced to embark on hunger strikes to protest against their illegaldetention and lack of access to medical assistance and lawyers. The restrictiveenvironment for civil society has forced many HRDs, journalists and other citizens toflee Iran.
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As a result of these issues, civic space in Iran is currently classified as ‘closed’, the mostserious category, by the CIVICUS Monitor.
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• Section 2of this submission examines Iran’s implementation of UPRrecommendations andcompliance with international human rights standardsconcerning the freedom ofassociation.
• Section 3 examines Iran’s implementation of UPR recommendations andcompliancewith international human rights standards relating to the protectionof HRDs andcivil society activists.
• Section 4 examines Iran’s implementation of UPR recommendations andcompliancewith international human rights standards concerning the freedom ofexpression,independence of the media and journalists, and access to information.
• Section 5 examines Iran’s implementation of UPR recommendations andcompliancewith international human rights standards relating to the freedom ofpeacefulassembly.
• Section 6 makes recommendations to address the concerns listed.