Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 3, 2026 Human Rights
The independent UN international fact-finding mission on Iran has called on the country’s government to immediately withdraw the bill currently under parliamentary review, which proposes imprisonment of journalists, scientists, and activists for up to 30 years simply for communicating with foreign individuals and organizations. This could lead to further violations of Iranians’ rights, including the right to contact the UN Mission itself.
According to the draft law “On Countering Foreign Infiltration,” alleged cooperation or interaction with certain foreign states, media, scientific institutions, human rights activists, and civil society organizations may be classified as a serious crime against national security. Human rights defenders warn that this measure represents a dangerous escalation in suppressing fundamental freedoms and isolating Iranians from the international community.
“Total criminalization”
“We are outraged that the government of Iran intends to subject ordinary Iranians to total criminalization for any contact with the outside world – while people are already suffering from isolation due to years of international sanctions, government suppression of recent protests, the longest internet shutdown in the country’s history, and US and Israeli airstrikes,” said the Mission Chairperson Sara Hossein.
The bill, which experts say is characterized by vague and broad formulations, requires Iranians to declare and register “activities with foreign agents or foreign citizens” and obtain approval through an online system that prioritizes security considerations.
According to the bill, Iranians face criminal prosecution if they do not obtain prior permission for activities such as publishing books and articles, exchanging data and analytical materials, scientific or academic cooperation, interacting with foreign and officially “hostile” media, as well as running a newspaper or website.
Large-scale consequences
Preliminary approval is required for cultural and social activities, including participation in seminars and training courses (in-person or remote), scientific conferences and art festivals, obtaining certificates and awards, as well as the creation, performance, and screening of films, musical works, and visual art pieces.
The scope of the bill also includes economic, commercial, and financial activities, including money transfers and the provision of goods or services.
According to the Mission expert Viviana Krstičević, if adopted, this bill will put all contacts with the outside world under government control and further restrict citizens’ rights.
According to the Mission’s statement, the signing of this bill will restrict any contacts of Iranians with foreign individuals and organizations and will affect all areas of life, including small businesses. The implementation of the legislation will lead to the immediate violation of the rights of ordinary Iranians, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive, and disseminate information and ideas of any kind, as well as the right to freedom of association. The law will also undermine the rights to education, work, an adequate standard of living, and participation in cultural life. The punishments provided for by this law will constitute an additional violation of the right to personal liberty and security.
Contacts with the Independent International UN Mission
UN experts recall that according to the resolutions of the Human Rights Council, representatives of civil society and victims of human rights violations have the right to unhindered access to the Mission and communication with it without fear of intimidation or reprisals. The Mission will send information on any alleged reprisals for contacts with it to the Secretary-General for inclusion in his annual reports on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives, and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
“Punishment for any interaction of Iranians or persons living in Iran with the Mission under this bill constitutes repression, and the threat of criminalizing such activity is a form of intimidation and harassment,” said the institution’s representative Max du Plessis. “We will monitor the situation and regularly report on this issue to the Human Rights Council.”
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.