UK sanctions Iran for violating women’s rights

The UK introduced new sanctions against Iran due to violations of women's rights today, on March 8.

These sanctions target gender-based violence in Iran, Syria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, UK's Foreign Ministry reports. 

This package includes 4 individuals and 1 entity involved in grievous activities, including military figures who have overseen rape and other forms of gender-based violence in conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. It also sanctions government institutions in Iran responsible for enforcing mandatory dress codes for women in Iran with unreasonable force

Officials sanctioned the Headquarters for Enjoining Rights and Forbidding Evil in Iran, and its head official Seyyed Mohammed Saleh Hashemi Golpayegani, who have been responsible for the enforcement of mandatory dress codes for women with unreasonable force.

"These sanctions send a clear message that the perpetrators of abhorrent gender-based violence must be held accountable. We are increasing our efforts to stand up for women and girls, and will use all the tools at our disposal to tackle the inequalities which remain." James Cleverly, the foreign minister said.

On Monday, February 20, the British government expanded its list of sanctions against Iran, adding eight more names to it.

The British navy last month seized Iranian weapons, including anti-tank guided missiles, from a smugglers' vessel in international waters in the Gulf of Oman.