LibGuides: International Humanitarian Law: Iran

According to the Women's Freedom Forum, cases of human trafficking crimes have seen an increase over the last eight years in Iran. This increase has drastically affected prostitution rates and the rates of sexual exploitation of minors. See Women's Freedom Forum, Human Trafficking in Iran (2010), available as a link below. Iran, due to its unemployment and inflation rates, has become an international source, transit, and destination for global human trafficking. See Martin Patt, Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery (2000-2018), available as a link below.

Human Trafficking in Iran

Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery

More Resources

Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Iran

Islamic Republic of Iran and UNODC to Increase Cooperation on Trafficking in Persons
In January of 2019, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime collaborated with the Islamic Republic of Iran for a three-day technical meeting which addressed new emerging trends and crimes as well as issues of trafficking in persons. Iran was of special interest during this meeting as its location makes it an important transit country for trafficking crimes.

Ratification of the International Agreement for the Suppression of the White Slave Traffic
The International Agreement for the Suppression of the White Slave Traffic is a series of anti–human trafficking treaties which was one of the first multilateral treaties to address issues of slavery and human trafficking. It was ratified by Iran in December of 1959.
United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime is the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime. It was signed by Iran in December of 2000.

Islamic Republic of Iran Law on Combating Human Trafficking in 2004
This law prohibits the trafficking of persons through the use of threat, force, coercion, and abuse of power. It also addresses the vulnerability of victims of prostitution, organ trafficking, slavery, and forced marriage. The suggested penalty of these crimes under this law is a prison sentence of up to 10 years. It is important to note that this resource is written in Arabic.

Anti-Trafficking Organizations in Iran

Iran State Welfare Organization
The Iran State Welfare Organization assits victims and those at risk of trafficking through mobile and fixed social emergency centers. These centers provide counseling, legal services, and health care.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran
The National Council of Resistance of Iran is a broad coalition of democratic Iranian organizations, groups, and personalities. Amongst other humanitarian efforts of the organization, it also has made significant efforts to combat human trafficking crimes in Iran.