The right to freedom of association, in its broadest sense, is a fundamental prerequisite for the institutionalization of democracy. Civil society, through political, professional, and labor organizations, can advocate for the protection of its legitimate rights and hold governments accountable.
For this reason, Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)—which has acquired customary status in international law—explicitly states that everyone has the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests. Given the significance of this right, the international community has also affirmed it through legally binding treaties. Article 22 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognizes freedom of association while restricting any limitations on this right only in cases where it conflicts with public order or social interests in a democratic society.
Trade union rights and freedoms, as one of the most essential second-generation human rights, hold a prominent place in the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Article 8 of the ICESCR obligates governments to guarantee the right of every individual to form and join trade unions and to establish federations and confederations.
However, in contradiction to international human rights standards, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently treated trade union freedoms as a security threat, criminalizing such activities.
