UN Removes Iran From Women's Body: What Does It Mean For Protesting Women?

On Wednesday, November 14, the United Nations voted to remove Iran from its women's rights body over the government's violent crackdown against the women-led protests.

The 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution introduced by the United States to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Iran has been removed from the CSW for the remainder of its term from 2022-2026.

The resolution to remove Iran from the women's rights body received 29 votes in favour, 8 against, and 16 countries, including India abstained from the vote.

Suggested Reading: How Iran Forces Targeted And Shot Women Protesters In Faces, Genitals

Iran Removed From UN Women's Rights Body

Speaking ahead of the vote, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield described Iran's membership as an "ugly stain on the Commission's credibility".

The co-founder of the Iranian rights group Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre, Roya Boroumand said that the removal of Iran from the UN Women's body was "another good day for universal human rights and international solidarity".

Boroumand added, "Iranian women were heard!"

Iranian researched Mahsa Alimardani took to Twitter to describe it as a "historic move". Alimardani added that it was a "clear sign" by the international community that Iran's crimes would not be tolerated.

Narges Mohammadi named prominent Iranian women's rights activists who were jailed and wanted Iran's removal from CSQ.

Boroumand tweeted that the Iranian women are calling out members of CSW to expel Iran. She added, "They take a risk by doing so from prison".

Nationwide protests erupted after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the morality police. She was detained for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely.

Iran responded to the protests with violent crackdowns and recently carried out its second execution over the anti-government protests. So far, Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard were executed by Iran.

The CSW was established in 1946 and meets annually at the UN Headquarters in New York. The commission became instrumental in promoting women's rights, shaping global standards of gender equality and women empowerment, and documenting the reality of women's lives.