Gender Apartheid Inquiry 

About Us

The Gender Apartheid Inquiry is an inquiry into the situation of women in Iran and Afghanistan conducted by a Parliamentary Panel and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). 

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Aims of the Inquiry 

The aim of the Inquiry is to: 

1. Consider the situation of women and girls in Iran and Afghanistan;

2. Assess the scale and nature of the situation and analyse it against the existing legal definitions of crimes; 

3. Explore the concept of gender apartheid and how it fits within the existing legal crimes, what are the shortfalls and how they could be addressed; 

4. Assess how the situation of women and girls in Iran and Afghanistan fits into the concept of gender apartheid;

5. Identify justice and accountability avenues for legal recourse and engage them with the evidence gathered and outline international responsibility thereof.

Objectives 

The main objective of this Inquiry is to consider the situation of women and girls in Iran and Afghanistan and identify practical and meaningful steps that can be taken to address it, as a matter of urgent international concern, including within the context of gender apartheid. 

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Methodology 

The Inquiry is to proceed in five stages, starting as soon as possible. 

First, it would undertake a short mapping exercise identifying the evidence in relation to the situation of women and girls in Iran and Afghanistan. It would also identify any gaps in the evidence.

Second, it would conduct an open call for submissions relating to evidence, facts on the ground and the application of relevant law. 

Third, it would organise oral hearings with experts and witnesses. 

Fourth, the Inquiry will publish a report on its findings and recommendations. 

Fifth, it would engage domestic and international bodies with the findings and recommendations throughout the inquiry and upon completion of the Inquiry. 

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