Motion pledges solidarity to the women and girls of Iran who are fighting for basic human rights - Senator Lisa Chambers

The Seanad has this week passed a Fianna Fáil motion tabled by Senator Lisa Chambers which pledges solidarity to the women and girls of Iran who are fighting for basic human rights. 

Senator Chambers tabled the motion on foot of protests by women and girls in Iran as they fight for the right of being able to choose what they want to wear, to no longer be policed by the so-called morality police, to be free to express themselves in any way they feel is right for them, and to live their lives to the fullest and to enjoy every freedom in doing so.

Speaking on the motion, Senator Chambers said: 

“As a party, Fianna Fáil strongly condemns the use of violence against women and the denial of basic human rights and dignity when imposing compulsory hijab policies designated by state authorities.  We also deplore the persistent impunity with respect to human rights violations in Iran, including the frequent deaths of protesters who are protesting peacefully due to the alleged use of lethal force by security forces.

“Fianna Fáil tabled this motion out of great concern for what is currently happening in Iran to women and girls and also to express our outrage at the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested on 13 September for not wearing a hijab in full compliance with Iran’s mandatory requirements for how women must dress.

“Mahsa was arrested for not wearing a hijab and the authorities have claimed she died from natural causes - that she suffered a heart attack - which is something her father does not believe nor do I, and I do not think anybody else does either.  Mahsa is another victim of Iran’s continual repression and organised discrimination against women and the imposition of discriminatory dress codes that deprive women of bodily autonomy and the freedoms of opinion, expression and belief.

“Since news of Mahsa’s death emerged, Iranians have taken to the streets to protest her death in major cities across Iran to demand accountability for her death and to put an end to violence and discrimination against women in the country, particularly compulsory veiling for women.  Women, young girls and also men have taken to fighting for basic rights and equality for Iranian women, which is something that we all take for granted - the very basic freedoms that we all enjoy on a day-to-day daily basis.” 

ENDS