Iran: Backsliding on UN Free Expression Commitments (PDF)
Executive Summary
In this Universal Periodic Review (UPR) midterm report, ARTICLE 19 and Impact Iran assess the progress made by the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) in implementing freedom of expression related recommendations received during the second cycle in October 2014. Iran’s third cycle review is due to take place November 2019.
During the second cycle of the UPR, Iran received 44 recommendations addressing the following themes relevant to freedom of expression:
● Lack of cooperation with the UN Special Procedures
● Legal restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in the Iranian Constitution, Penal Code, Press Law
● Restrictions on the right to information
● Restrictions on freedom of expression online
ARTICLE 19 and Impact Iran considers that there has been severe regression and negligible progress in implementing these recommendations, with the right to freedom of expression and related rights heavily curtailed in Iran.