MEPs question Council on issuing visas to Iranian women and girls

Brussels, June 12, 2023 - More than 30 MEPs questioned the Council on the issue of visas for Iranian women and girls.

Read the question below:

Subject: Issuing visas to Iranian women and girls
Since peaceful protests erupted across Iran in September 2022 following the murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in state custody, the Islamic Republic of Iran has attempted to put an end to these protests by killing hundreds of men and women, including children, detaining thousands of people and executing protesters.
The situation has been particularly alarming for the women and girls who started the protests to end violence and discrimination against women in Iran. As part of the crackdown, Iranian security forces are targeting women protesting against the regime, directing rifle fire at their faces, breasts and sexual organs, according to interviews with doctors across the country. This is horrific gender-based violence.

Women and girls, who have been at the forefront of the protests, are being particularly targeted by intimidation, harassment, sexual violence, the death penalty and death sentences. They face terrible risks to their freedom, their health and their rights. Helping them get to safety could save their lives.
Given this situation, how do the EU and its member states intend to facilitate the issuing of visas to women who fear persecution for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly in the context of the demonstrations in Iran?


Read the Council's response below:Women and girls, who have been at the forefront of the protests, are being particularly targeted by intimidation, harassment, sexual violence, the death penalty and death sentences. They face terrible risks to their freedom, their health and their rights. Helping them get to safety could save their lives.
Given this situation, how do the EU and its member states intend to facilitate the issuing of visas to women who fear persecution for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly in the context of the demonstrations in Iran?


Read the Council's response below:

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