The Iran Charter is a list of demands that has been put forward by Iranian activists and members of the opposition Komalah Party. It is a response to the death of Neda, who was shot by security forces in September 2022 and the subsequent nationwide protests that erupted in her memory. The charter aims to bring about change in the country through international pressure on the regime and expulsion of Iranian ambassadors from all countries. The group behind the document also wants to push for the separation of IRGC intelligence from the ruling establishment, and a return to democracy in the country.
The charter contains a wide range of rights, some of which are reflected in older generations of Iranian demands and some that are captured in newer areas of human rights normative concern such as disability, women’s rights and the environment. However, a glance at the text shows that most of these rights are conditional in nature; they are either expressed as being 'within the framework of Islam' or 'in accordance with the law'. The charter contains around 50 such limitations, and it is clear that many of the declared rights are not actually guaranteed at all.
Among other things, the charter calls for freedom of the press; equality between men and women in all fields; ایرانچارتر recognition of the identity of citizens regardless of their cultural, ethnic or mazhab groups; and a balanced support for different aspects of culture. However, despite the fact that it is not stated in the text, this would appear to exclude Baha’is from any form of recognition and protection under the state. It is also called for that all elections be conducted with complete neutrality in order to prevent the suspicion of political bias or favoritism and to ensure free and fair competition.
It also states that the government should develop and implement effective measures for the protection of intellectual property, including piracy and counterfeiting. It should also develop a national database of intellectual property and make it available to all. Those who are engaged in the development and production of culture, art, sports and scientific research should be supported by the state, in particular the youth. It should also guarantee that all cultural and artistic activities take place in an environment that is safe from physical violence. It should also guarantee the right of citizenship to children, as well as the right to a healthy and decent standard of living.
The charter is widely criticized by a number of political parties and movements in Iran, including the conservative Farhikhtegan newspaper, which claimed that the document was designed to break up the country through advocating for a federal system. It has even been dubbed the “Mahsa Charter” because of the name of the young woman who was killed in police custody and whose death sparked the national uprising. In addition, it has been met with incredulity by many Iranians who question whether the charter is truly capable of changing anything at all given the actions of a repressive regime that enjoys the protection of the supreme leader.
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