Publications

May 4, 2026

Civil Society in Iran After the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement

Suppression, War and Reconfiguration

This report examines the situation, trends, challenges, and transformation of Iranian civil society after the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Based on activist and analyst interviews, it maps legal, security, digital, and material pressures while highlighting formal erosion, informal networks, lifestyle resistance, generational activism, and civic resilience.

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

Despite decades in the ILO, Iran still hasn’t ratified key conventions 87 and 98 that secure workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. This policy paper calls on the international community to pressure Iran to adopt these measures and improve labor conditions.

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.

March 28, 2019

Joint Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review

Islamic Republic of Iran

A critical evaluation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s progress on international human rights standards, with a focus on civic space. The review examines the legal framework and policy measures affecting freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression, alongside the treatment of human rights defenders. Findings reveal significant gaps in

September 1, 2018

Civil Society in Iran and its Future Prospects

Case Study

Four decades after the 1979 Revolution, Iranian civil society has experienced shifts in opportunity, suppression, and renewal. This study explores its evolution, highlighting new civic activism, governmental control, and social discontent, while outlining future scenarios ranging from reform to continued repression.

March 1, 2016

Social Networking and Virtual Freedom of Association in Iran

Research Report

Despite banning major international platforms, Iran’s top officials actively use them, reflecting a complex relationship. While conservative forces view these sites as tools of foreign espionage, rising domestic use - especially among youth and activists - underscores their powerful social and political impact.