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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
CIVIL SOCIETY IN IRAN FACT SHEET
“I wonder how many young girls will die, while we document again
and again, each time with new partners and new organizations and
new sectors, the negative impact of the law on women’s lives. I am
not sure exactly how many young girls have to die, before we start
acknowledging the innovative work that women do with limited
resources in promoting women’s rights, before we start to strengthen
their efforts, and before those with some relative power, start to take
risks designed to move women’s issues back to the social realm, as
opposed to the security realm.” —Sussan Tahmasebi
Civil Society in Iran
Background
While the meaning of “civil society” has fluctuated throughout
history, at its core civil society is a social contract among a group of
individuals seeking to articulate and act upon a need, or void in
society. This void may exist in areas where the state has not acted, or
has acted contrary to the perceived welfare of the people. Whether it
concerns political rights, workers rights, religious rights, charity,
environmental issues, freedoms of speech and the press, women’s
rights, or all of the above, throughout history, issues of civil society
have changed according to the needs of a community at a specified
time and place. Tracing the developments within civil society in Iran
since the 1979 revolution, we see the ebb and flow of various groups
struggling to work towards greater advancement on these issues
within Iranian society.
After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, civil society emerged and
prospered for only a short time. By 1981, the government had begun
again to suppress the voices of its people working to be heard on
social issues. (State of Civil Society in Iran)
“Is it possible to carry the heavy
burden of being a teacher and be
responsible for spreading the seeds
of knowledge and still be silent? Is
it possible to see the lumps in the
throats of the students and witness
their thin and malnourished faces
and keep quiet? Is it possible to be
in the year of no justice and
fairness and fail to teach the H for
Hope and E for Equality, even if
such teachings land you in Evin
prison or result in your death?” –
Farzad Kamangar, teacher
executed on May 9, 2010
“We can certainly expect that every
lawyer who says too much or
accepts undesirable clients can
expect to wake up in the morning
and find that his license has been
revoked. Intellectuals will be
punished for their thoughts, and
will not be able to retain suitable
counsel because all the lawyers
with the courage to work on their
cases have been or will be
disbarred. Blacklisted politicians
will search for independent and
courageous lawyers, but will not be
able to find them. Even more
heart-wrenching is the situation of
people who confront serious
judicial proceedings but will have
no refuge.” –Bahman Keshavarz,
former chair of the Iranian Bar
Association, as written in the
Daily Etemad
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
After the presidential elections of 1997, elected President
Mohammad Khatami created a more receptive environment for the
growth of civil society. His emphasis on the ‘rule of law’ during his two
terms in office allowed for the growth of public participation and
discourse. In his inaugural speech on August 4, 1997 he stated:
“Protecting the freedom of individuals and the rights of the nation…is
a necessity deriving from the dignity of man in the divine religion…It
requires provision of the necessary conditions for the realization of
the constitutional liberties, strengthening and expanding the
institutions of civil society…and preventing any violation of personal
integrity, rights and legal liberties…In a society well acquainted with
its rights and ruled by law, the rights and limits of the citizens are
recognized.” (Civil Society and the Rule of Law in the Constitutional
politics of Iran)
Thus, the period from 1997 through 2003 can be called the years of
“the establishment of civil society organizations” in post-revolution
Iran. (State of Civil Society in Iran). Many of the former restrictions on
the press, the media and the arts were removed. However, all of this
growth was also met with open opposition from the clerical elite. This
open opposition enabled various groups to come forward and voice
their positions in favor of civil society. Because of this open opposition
in the clerical elite, the dynamics of the discourse changed from one
to where questioning the principle of a theocratic government, once
taboo, was now out in the open.
With regard to the advancement of women’s issues during this
period, it is clear that women had become confident in their demands
to make changes to their status in society. However, the reality is that
women’s legal, political and cultural status did not change at all
during this period. Essentially, they found their voices in struggling to
be heard, however no one was listening with sufficient intent to make
any changes.
In 2003, the reformists in parliament lost their seats to the
conservatives. Subsequently the conservatives consolidated their
CIVIL SOCIETY STATISTICS
According to figures published by
Iran’s Statistical Centre, out of
6,914 NGOs in 2004:
• 53% were officially registered
and 47% were unregistered
• 3,620 NGOs addressed issues
such as children, human rights,
environment, youth, women and
charities
• Of these, the largest number of
NGOs were related to work with
the youth
• 2,959 NGOs were able to renew
their licenses in 2007 and continue
their work. This means that from
2004, roughly 3000 NGOs out of
roughly 7,000 were given licenses
to operate again 3 years later in
2007
• Unofficial statistics indicate that
there are 52,000 religious
organizations (religious
delegations, Islamic associations,
cultural and publicity centers) and
80,000 charities
• Finally, according to the Official
Report of the Community Based
Organizations at the Central
Supervisory Board, during the first
year of the current administration
in 2005, more than 90 NGOs lost
their licenses, for reasons not clear.
Also, after the 2009 elections, more
NGOs were shut down
These numbers fluctuate. It is
difficult to actually know what the
latest figures are because different
sources give different information.
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
power and since that time, the price of civil society activism has increased. In 2005, Ahmadinejad’s
candidacy introduced a new, militant segment of society into politics. It is believed that this segment
became involved in order to stop and prevent further reform. The aging leadership among Iran’s
Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) further made the transition to politics a logical next step. (Razzaghi –
Attack on Civil Society). Ahmadinejad’s cabinet included an unprecedented number of IRGC members.
This resulted in the government’s implementation of a security-based approach of dealing with civil
society. This approach has remained constant and is the dominant reaction of the current government
toward civil society in Iran. (State of Civil Society in Iran)
International Standards
International agreements protecting the human rights to freedom of assembly and association are
found in international conventions and treaties. These are binding upon countries that have ratified the
agreements. Binding treaties can be used to force governments to respect the treaty provisions. Non-
binding instruments, such as declarations and resolutions can also be used to identify potential future
customary law and play a role in influencing governments who care about their image abroad.
There are many international conventions, declarations and resolutions protecting the freedom of
association and assembly. Among them, Iran is a party to two pertinent Conventions:
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966, articles 21, 22). This Convention
elaborates on the principles laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is legally
binding on all states who have signed and ratified its provisions. Article 21 asserts: “The right of
peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right
other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic
society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public
health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” Article 22 stipulates
"Everyone shall have the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and
join trade unions for the protection of his interests. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of
this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic
society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order the protection of public
health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This article shall not prevent
the imposition of lawful restrictions on members of the armed forces and of the police in their
exercise of this right.”
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966, article 8). This Convention
was adopted by the General Assembly in December 1966 and entered into force in 1976. It
elaborates the principles laid out in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is legally binding on
all states who have signed and ratified its provisions. Article 8 guarantees trade union rights and in
particular the right of everyone to form trade unions; to establish national and international
federations; the rights of trade unions to function freely; and the right to strike.
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
These Conventions are binding on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Moreover, over 100 civil society activists and experts from around the world established a set of general
principles they believe should guide civil society law. A Statement in this regard was created from the
work of the Sixteenth Annual Johns Hopkins International Fellows in Philanthropy Conference held in
Nairobi Kenya in 2004. With regard to civil society formation and legal status, the Statement indicated
that:
“The right to form civil society organizations is a fundamental human right that belongs to individuals
and is not bestowed by government. This right derives from the basic rights to free speech and
association, which should be enshrined in the fundamental law of a country. As such, this right cannot
be conditioned on the consent of a public authority and cannot be subject to undue restrictions, such as
restrictive asset or membership requirements.” (Toward an Enabling Legal Environment for Civil Society,
Statement of the Sixteenth Annual Johns Hopkins International Fellows in Philanthropy Conference in
Nairobi, Kenya.
Current Iranian Law
Iran’s constitution provides for the freedom of association, assembly and belief in Articles 26, 27, and 23
respectively:
Article 26 [Freedom of Association]. The formation of parties, societies, political or professional
associations, as well as religious societies, whether Islamic or pertaining to one of the
recognized religious minorities, is permitted provided they do not violate the principles of
independence, freedom, national unity, the criteria of Islam, or the basis of the Islamic Republic.
No one may be prevented from participating in the aforementioned groups, or be compelled to
participate in them.
Article 27 [Freedom of Assembly]. Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided
arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.
Article 23 [Freedom of Belief]. The investigation of individuals’ beliefs is forbidden, and no one
may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
The Article 26 language permits formation of civil society groups within
the limitations of violating principles of independence, freedom,
national unity, the criteria of Islam, and the basis of the Islamic
Republic. The “criteria of Islam, and the basis of the Islamic Republic”
are not clearly defined and are subject to interpretation. To the extent
this language is further present in legislation, it creates an environment
where subjective, ad hoc policy decisions are made “on the street” by
policemen and judges when enforcing such vague laws. Citizens of Iran
who earnestly wish to comply with the law are often found in violation
of the law because of this lack of clarity in legislation. Law abiding
citizens do not know where they stand under the law in any given
circumstance of civil society activity. Furthermore, Article 13 of the
constitution indicates that the only “recognized religious minorities”
are Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians, excluding members of the Baha’i
Faith representing the largest religious minority in the country.
Religions outside of the “recognized” religions do not have this
freedom.
Current Bill before Parliament: the Establishment and
Supervision of NGOs
According to Dutch NGO Arseh Sevom, current legislation under
consideration by Parliament entitled The Establishment and Supervision
of NGOs was first brought before Parliament in 2006 and subsequently
substantially revised in 2007.
Definition of NGOs. In the 2007 version, the definition of NGOs
has been revised and constructed narrowly requiring all NGOs
to comply with listed regulations and be established within the
framework of the constitution, and the “ideological and ethical
foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. Again, compliance
with the law will be difficult if the standards are not clearly
articulated within the law. The “ideological and ethical
foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran” are not clear for
citizenry and the effect will be to claim violations against
There are generally 2 types of
Civil Society organizations:
Community based organizations
(CBOs) and Non-governmental
organizations (NGOs).
1. CBOs provide numerous services
to the women of Iran
• They are a rich source of
knowledge and experience in
dealing with women and
community issues – especially
disadvantaged communities
• Many of these are charity
organizations providing numerous
services to women – including
financial, legal, and family services,
among others
• CBOs are known for the most
part to be very close knit to their
communities, receiving financial
support from the communities they
serve
2. Modern NGOs in Iran are more
likely than traditional CBOs to
utilize modern approaches, based
on research findings and best
international practices, in the
delivery of social services, advocacy
efforts, and public awareness
campaigns
• In the early 2000’s many
members of NGOs traveled abroad
for education and training with the
International Community
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
existing NGOs and deny NGO status to others for reasons
unknown to those who seek to address the needs of society.
Definition of Humanitarian, deleted. The word “humanitarian”
was deleted in the revised 2007 bill, provision 4. In the
previous legislation, the term “humanitarian” was defined in
the context of NGOs as: “the activities that the ‘organization
carries on without attention to race, religion, gender, age, and
occupation, and with the aim of improving living conditions.”
This term often provided for the defense of the equality of
religions, ethnicities, and minorities. Iran’s largest religious
minority, members of the Bahia Faith, was previously defended
under this “humanitarian” provision by Iran’s leading human
rights center, the Defenders of Human Rights Center. This
Center was closed down in December 2008. Shirin Ebadi, 2003
Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2003 worked at the Center and was
subjected to regular and sustained harassment as a result of
her work.
NGOs must be “non-political”. Finally, any potential for
political activity within civil society has been effectively
abolished under the revised 2007 bill. NGOs must not be
engaged in any political activity or participate in any social and
political forums that may influence critical positions and
campaign in favor or against individuals and political
movements. Further, founding members and Board of
Directors of NGOs must not be affiliated with political parties,
organizations, and groups deemed illegal and hostile by
authorities.
Further, according to Arseh Sevom, the framework of the law appoints
a Supreme Committee, under the Ministry of the Interior, with the sole
power to regulate the affairs of civil society in the following ways:
Authority over the Boards of Directors of NGOs and the local
authorities designated to regulate the NGOs in their localities
IRAN ROOYAN’S TRANSFORMING
SOCIETY INITIATIVE SEEKS TO:
• Strengthen existing work being
done by organizations for women
in Iran
• Identify existing needs and
engage in collaborative assistance
with like-minded organizations in
Iran.
• Assist with capacity building,
NGO development, management
skills, education, and public
awareness and training materials
(i.e., HIV/AIDS, domestic violence,
drug abuse, trafficking)
• Highlight the work of women’s
NGOs both inside and outside Iran
in order to exchange and share
information on what is being done
elsewhere on similar issues of
concern to women
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
Granted ultimate permitting and dissolution authority
Authority over all phases of NGO participation and cooperation in governmental and
nongovernmental projects
Authority over cooperation and contact with international organizations, agencies of the United
Nations, participation in seminars and conferences, and educational sessions abroad as well as
assembling for marches and demonstrations
Implications of Current Bill on Existing NGOs and New NGOs
If this bill passes, new organizations will go through a comprehensive process of approval by the
Ministry of Intelligence and the Supreme Committee. New NGOs that are not in line with the
government’s views may have their registration application rejected. Long-standing, existing NGOs will
undergo another approval process by the Supreme Committee.
Government Actions Against Civil Society
Since 2005, the government has taken a security-based approach to all sectors of civil society and
Iranian NGOs are operating under significant constraints. Particularly in the wake of the controversial
2009 presidential elections, numerous civil society groups have been subject to government
harassment, closure and arrests of staff and members. Even peaceful assembly is met with a security-
related government reaction.
There are numerous documented examples of Iran’s civil society abuses occurring in virtually all sectors
of society including: workers unions, teachers, human rights defenders, lawyers, physicians, women,
academicians, journalists, bloggers and writers. Here are some examples from the Arseh Sevom’s Attack
on Civil Society in Iran 2005-2010 Report:
Newspapers and other publications aligned with the reformist movement are routinely shut
down. Journalists and editors are detained and imprisoned. Travel bans are also used to prevent
active reformists and journalists from contacting the outside world. (Attack on Civil Society,
Report 2005-2010).
The Greater Tehran Bus Drivers Committee to form the independent union was attacked by
members of the company’s guards and security forces, among others at their inaugural meeting
in 2005. The leader of the union was nearly beaten to death and is currently incarcerated with
dangerous criminals.
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
The leader of the baker’s union in Saqez was arrested in 2004 for organizing a May Day
demonstration. He was imprisoned for 5 years until being released on bail and a suspended
sentence in April 2009. Several of his supporters were harassed and lashed.
Haft Tapeh Sugar Manufacturing workers went on strike to protest unpaid wages after
collecting 1900 signatures in order to dismiss the Islamic Labor Council’s representation and
form a new union. Six were arrested several months later and two spent several months in
prison. All six were expelled from their jobs. They are currently without work or pay and facing
dire economic circumstances. Their lawyer was harassed and questioned. They were charged
with “propaganda against the government,” “spreading propaganda against the regime,”
“relations with the enemy” and “forming an illegal trade union.” Additionally, a journalist and
human rights activist who covered the plight of the workers and their union was handed an 11-
year sentence in April 2010. He was charged and found guilty of “spreading propaganda against
the regime through interviews with forging media.”
Jaras, an internet based news agency reported in February 2010 that the Iranian Revolutionary
Guard Council (IRGC) stepped up its arrests and harassment of human rights defenders focusing
particularly on members of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, Human rights Activists in
Iran, the Committee for Human Rights Reporters, and the One Million Signature Campaign.
According to reports, those arrested are under heavy pressure, made to present prepared texts
and to make false confessions.
An investigative journalist, Emad Baghi formed an organization to protect prisoner’s rights. He
was arrested in December 2009 and has since been held without charge. In November 2009 he
was prevented from traveling to Geneva to receive the Martin Ennals award for human rights
defenders.
Human rights lawyers have increasingly come under investigation during the Ahmadinejad
administration. They are often called in for interrogation, arrested, and forced into exile.
Professional organizations for attorneys and physicians are controlled by the State. Lawyers
barred from running for the bar association have no recourse to appeal. Qualification is in the
control of the state.
In 2009, a long-standing law providing the Iranian Bar Association the power to approve the
lawyers’ qualifications was changed. The power was transferred to the Judiciary, which answers
to the Supreme Leader. The Head of the Judiciary changed the bylaws in such a way that human
rights defenders and political critics could be barred from practicing law.
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IRAN ROOYAN: CIVIL SOCIETY FACT SHEET
After 16 years, the longest running women’s magazine Zanan
was shut down and refused a license to publish. The publisher
and staff of the magazine learned of the revocation with the
general public on Farsnews stating that “An informed source,”
stated that it was a “threat to the psychological security of the
society” and displayed the situation of women in the Islamic
Republic in a “somber light.”
The One Million Signatures Campaign has been collecting
signatures on a petition to change the law in Iran so women
will be equal on the scales of justice. Many have been
detained, imprisoned, and forbidden from travel. They have
been subjected to long suspended sentences, which required
regular check-ins with Intelligence officers.
The government’s security fears toward any perceived
accumulation of power resulted in the dissolution of the
Network of Non-Governmental Houses in more than 30
provinces from 2009 -2010. The right to assemble even for
environmental issues is denied for the same reason.
There are many more incidents that occur and have occurred that
remain unreported and undocumented.
Conclusion
Civil society has often been a tool to guard against tyranny. A strong
rule of law and civil society facilitate wider degrees of transparency,
equality, and a diversity of ideas, allowing for the advancement and
well being of society. Where a huge gap between government and
society exists, there is fear on both sides and therefore, a weak
foundation on which to build a secure nation. The free exchange of
ideas among many sectors with clear, independent voices contributes
to the advancement of any society. As the civil society of Iran declines
so will the welfare and the spirit of its people.
SOURCES
1. Arjomand, Said Amir. “Civil Society
and the Rule of Law in the
Constitutional Politics of Iran Under
Khatami.” Iran Chamber Society. 2000.
http://www.iranchamber.com/govern
ment/articles/civil_society_politics_ira
n_khatami.php
2. Arseh Sevom. “Arseh Sevom Peace
Democracy, Human Rights. “ “Attack on
Civil Society In Iran Report 2005-
2010.” 21 September 2010. Arseh
Sevom.
http://www.arsehsevom.net/2010/06/
report-attack-on-civil-society-in-iran/
3. Arseh Sevom. “Arseh Sevom Peace
Democracy, Human Rights.” Iran:
Legalizing the Murder of Civil Society.
Arseh Sevom. 30 November 2010.
http://www.arsehsevom.net/2010/11/
legalizing-the-murder-of-civil-society/
4. Human Rights Education Associates.
http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id
=406#instruments
5. Razzaghi, Sohrab. “Arseh Sevom
Peace, Democracy, Human Rights.”
State of Civil Society in Iran. 25
October 2010. Arseh Sevom.
http://www.arsehsevom.net/2010/10/
state-of-civil-society-in-iran/
6. Tahmasebi, Sussan, “The
Innovations of Women’s Organizations:
Lessons Lost From the Forbidden and
Impossible to a Movement for Women’s
Legal Rights.” WUNRN. 28 November
2008
http://www.wunrn.com/news/2009/0
4_09/04_27_09/042709_iran3.htm
“Toward an Enabling Legal
Environment for Civil Society.”
Statement of the Sixteenth Annual
Johns Hopkins International Fellows in
Philanthropy Conference in Nairobi,
Kenya. ICNL. 1 November 2005.
International Journal of Not-for-Profit
Law, Volume 8, Issue.
http://www.icnl.org/knowledge/ijnl/v
ol8iss1/special_1.htm