In the aftermath of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a major question has been whether the landmark nuclear deal would have any impact on Iran’s other policies, including its record on human rights. While US President Barack Obama’s administration stressed that in negotiating the JCPOA its focus was on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, there was an unstated hope that Iran’s reintegration into the global economy as a result of the deal would also promote a less repressive Islamic Republic.
In “Will Iran’s Human Rights Record Improve?” Barbara Slavin analyzes Iran’s human rights record, how it has evolved under President Hassan Rouhani and how it compares to other countries in the region, and provides constructive steps the international community can take to persuade Iran to abide by international norms.