Australian Greens: Greens call on Government to uphold Human Rights in Iran

The Australian Greens remain deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Iran and are in solidarity with the protestors in Iran. We will always protect the right to protest.  And we will always fight for people’s rights to choose their dress, their partner, their religion, their career, and what they do with their bodies. The Iranian authorities’ suppression of the rights of women, LGBTIQA+ people, and other minorities, including the Bahai, must end. 

Today, 40 days after the death of Jina Amani, there are reports that Iranian security forces have shot tear gas and opened fire on people gathered in Zindan Square, Saqqez city. 

Jina Amani was arrested by Iran’s morality police for failing to comply with a new national code requiring women to wear a hijab. She was allegedly beaten and died from her injuries.
The Australian Greens are deeply disappointed in the lack of response from the Australian Government. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John on behalf of the Australian Greens are calling on the government to take 10 clear actions:

1. Clearly express to the Iranian regime that they, and countries like them, will face consequences from the international community for allowing violence against women and minorities within their borders.

2. Meet with the Iranian Ambassador as soon as possible to express Australia’s concerns directly.

3. Call on the Iranian government to end its violent crackdown on protesters and request the release of all arrested protestors. 

4. Hold those responsible for Jina Mahsa Amini’s death accountable through a criminal investigation.

5. Call on the Iranian government to respect the basic human rights of Iranian women’s choice of clothing.

6. Impose Magnitsky-style or other targeted sanctions, including financial asset freezing and introduce visa bans on people linked to the Iranian regime (including the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), key security officials, Basiji Militia and the morality police).

7. Declare the IRGC a ‘terrorist organisation’ under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

8. Pass, sponsor and support a strong resolution against the criminal actions of the Islamic Republic both in the Australian Parliament and at the UN General Assembly and encourage counterparts in allied countries to take similar steps.

9. Take steps to remove Iran from the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

10. Support Iranians’ access to the Internet and social media networks as well as the Iranian Civil Society in all possible manner.

Additionally, Senator Jordon Steele-John welcomes that the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will investigate the Australian Government’s response to the situation in Iran. It is our hope that this inquiry may get the government to finally take some action to support people in Iran.