In this podcast, we shed light on the consistent and alarming pattern of forced labor and systemic abuse targeting female prisoners across multiple facilities in Iran, including Vakilabad Prison (Mashhad), Sepidar Prison (Ahvaz), Qarchak Prison, and Tabriz Prison. These practices are in direct violation of international human rights standards and highlight a deliberate disregard for the dignity and well-being of incarcerated women.
Systemic Nature of Forced Labor
Forced labor is not an isolated incident but a routine and institutionalized practice within Iran’s prison system for women. Prisoners are compelled to work in various capacities, including factory work, workshops (carpet weaving, tailoring, shoe-making), cleaning, bakery, cooking, and packaging.
Extended and Uncompensated Work Hours
Female prisoners are forced to work long hours, often exceeding the standard workday, without adequate rest or fair compensation. One account describes women working “non-stop until 4:30 PM, even though we should return by 3 PM.” Another source highlights work extending as late as 10 p.m. for some. Despite this strenuous labor, the wages received are described as “meager,” ranging from as low as 30,000 tomans to 200,000 tomans per month.
Exploitation and Lack of Legal Protection
Prisoners working in these conditions are not subject to labor laws, minimum wage requirements, or welfare insurance. They are denied any legal documentation for their work, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. This is confirmed by a member of the Supreme Labor Council stating that “prison workers are not covered by labor laws and insurance and are not supervised by the Labor Ministry.” The profits generated from their work largely benefit the prison administration, particularly prison directors.
Lack of Redress and Accountability
Female prisoners are denied effective mechanisms to report abuses or seek redress. Complaints to prison authorities often go unanswered, demonstrating a significant lack of oversight and accountability within the system.
Coercion and Punishment for Refusal
Refusal to participate in forced labor is met with collective punishment, such as the revocation of phone privileges.
Psychological and Physical Abuse: Prisoners are subjected to daily verbal humiliation, threats, and degrading treatment by prison guards. There are also reports of physical abuse and executions routinely carried out inside Vakilabad Prison, creating an atmosphere of constant fear and trauma.
Desperation Driving Willingness to Work
Despite the poor conditions and meager wages, many women are willing to work to escape the even worse conditions in their wards or to earn money for essential needs, legal fees (like blood money), or to support their families outside of prison.
Mental Health Impact: The immense pressure of forced labor and inhumane conditions can have severe mental health consequences, as evidenced by the case of a female inmate in Tabriz Prison who attempted to cut her wrist due to the stress. Prison authorities reportedly attempted to cover up the reason for her attempt.
Violation of International Standards
The practices described directly contravene several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 23), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 7), the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the International Labour Organization’s Forced Labour Convention (Article 8).
