that barring women and other citizens
from contesting for presidential office in
Iran constituted a violation of their rights
as guaranteed by international law.
Last week, Iran's Guardian Council, a 12-member body of theologians and jurists which vets presidential candidates, approved only eight individuals out of the 686
people registered for the June 14 election.
The 30 female candidates that applied were
disqualified as well as other key political figures,
raising concerns about the fairness and
transparency of the vetting procedures.
This mass disqualification, including that of
women wishing to stand in the presidential
elections, is discriminatory and violates
fundamental right to political participation and
runs contrary to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which Iran has ratified.
Any restrictions on this right must be based on
objective and reasonable criteria without
distinction of any kind, including race, gender,
religion, and political or other opinion," the
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed.
Shaheed said that several candidates were
reportedly excluded on the basis of their
affiliation with the 2009 post-election protests
and their exercise of fundamental human rights,
including the rights to freedom of expression,
assembly and association.
Kamala Chandrakirana, Head of the UN Working
Group on Discrimination against Women, said
excluding women from eligibility to presidential
office "will exacerbate their already existing
severe under representation in public, political
and professional life".
The Special Rapporteur on Violence Against
Women, Rashida Manjoo, said Iran must ensure
women's participation in public affairs, including
the political sphere, through special measures to
help eradicate discrimination and violence
against women.
The experts also urged the government to lift
restrictions to freedom of expression and
association.
No comments:
Post a Comment