Publications

October 5, 2026

Between repression and war

Teachers in Iran - June 2025 - July 2026

This report presents Volunteer Activists’ findings on teachers’ rights in Iran from June 2025 to July 2026, a year of two wars and a violent protest crackdown. It documents at least 90 arrests, teachers killed, dismissals, salary cuts and growing security controls in schools. Activism persisted, shifting to petitions and online campaigns.

January 30, 2023

WORKERS RIGHT WATCH - July to Dec 2022

A semi-annual report on worker protests and evolving labour regulations in Iran

In Iran, from July-Dec 2022, labour protests surged across sectors. Over a dozen union activists faced dismissals, arrests, and prosecutions, exposing government crackdowns and risky new laws. This inaugural report equips policymakers and CSOs with crucial insights for targeted, impactful interventions.

December 1, 2022

Brains versus brutality

The status of Iran’s student protests and how the international community can help

Examining the rapid spread of Iranian student protests across over a hundred campuses, this policy brief highlights how campus activism challenges authoritarian control and entrenched gender segregation. It underscores the need for international support measures to protect student rights, ensure safety, and promote democratic change.

November 1, 2022

[Analysis Report] Inside Iran

Less-known features of the Iranian protests – and corresponding governmental responses

This policy brief argues that leadership “decapitation” strategies have strengthened the IRGC rather than weakened Iran’s system. It analyzes the structural, societal, ideological, and wartime drivers behind the IRGC’s rise and offers recommendations for more effective international engagement and expanded civic space.

October 1, 2022

[Policy Brief] Call for urgent action

Physical and mental health needs of children participating in the nationwide protests in Iran 2022

Across Iran, teenage protestors face brutal repression that inflicts severe physical and psychological harm. This policy brief highlights their urgent need for international support, calling for mental health services, legal aid, and educational resources to safeguard their rights and future. Clear steps for urgent change are outlined now.

November 1, 2021

Research paper

Longitudinal Situation Analysis of Iranian NGOs

This study examines decades of shifts in Iran’s legal, political, and policy landscapes affecting NGOs. Focusing on reformist, conservative, and securitized eras, it uses interviews to reveal how state policies shape NGO freedoms and risks, urging tailored international support to mitigate unintended security and legal challenges.

June 1, 2021

[Policy Brief] Iranian Labour Movement

How Can the International Community More Effectively Support the Iranian Labour Movement?

International support is vital to empowering Iranian workers. This policy brief shows how weak strategic advocacy and absent independent unions hamper effective protests. It calls for diverse tactics, stronger union leadership, and global backing to advance labour rights, offering clear guidance for policy makers and civil society – bold moves now!

March 1, 2021

[Policy Brief] ILO Conventions 87 and 98

Action Required: Appeal to Iran to Ratify ILO Conventions 87 and 98

This report examines the situation, trends, challenges, and transformation of Iranian civil society after the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Drawing on interviews with activists and analysts, it maps legal, security, digital, and material pressures while highlighting the erosion of formal organizations, the rise of informal networks, lifestyle resistance, generational activism,

September 1, 2019

Civic Space in Iran

Restrictions and Violations of the Right to Freedom of Expression, Association and Assembly

A 2019 study on Iran’s civic space under President Rouhani reveals a systematic crackdown on civil society. It details how restrictive laws, strict CSO licensing, censorship, and repression have eroded free speech, association, and assembly, exposing a decade-long attack on civic freedoms.

April 1, 2019

[Petition] Freedom of Association and Assembly in Iran

A Call for Urgent Action

This petition calls for immediate international attention to the severe repression of civil society in Iran. Highlighting the escalating violations against activists, the document demands accountability and concrete actions to safeguard the fundamental rights of association and assembly in Iran.