Investigative report on the situation of children and mothers inside prisons in Iran
Children of Imprisoned Parents International
February 2022
SUMMARY
This research has been conducted by the US-based non-profit organization Children of Imprisoned Parents International (COIPI) to investigate the current situation of well-being and respect for human rights of mothers and children inside prisons in Iran. This research is based on official data, reports by human rights organizations, interviews with former or current prisoners, and COIPI’s previous research, which started in 2015.
This research collected evidence adequate to show how children and their mothers inside prisons in Iran have had their rights violated, including through 1) sexual violence, 2) subjection to physical and psychological harm, 3) violation of the right to health, 4) violation of the right to education, 5) inability to achieve the minimum of well-being, and 6) exploitation in propaganda. This report also challenges the positive image of the situation of children and mothers inside prison promoted by official media in Iran. Furthermore, the report shows the contradiction between official statements and official information, as well as reports by human rights organizations, regarding (A) separate wards for mothers and children and (B) kindergartens in prisons.