The recent restoration of diplomatic ties between Djibouti and Iran, following a seven-year hiatus, is a development that resonates with disquiet rather than jubilation. The announcement made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian conveys a semblance of normalisation between the two nations, but it concurrently highlights an alignment between two countries marred by pervasive and grave human rights violations.
Djibouti severed its ties with Tehran in January 2016 in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, following attacks on Saudi missions amid protests regarding the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The announcement of the restoration of relations follows the recent reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by a China-brokered deal. However, the international community cannot overlook the stark and distressing human rights landscapes within these nations while analysing their renewed rapport.
Djibouti’s Distressing Reality:
In Djibouti, the human rights scenario is bleak, with the nation grappling with a plethora of issues ranging from arbitrary killings and detentions by government agents to severe interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. The portrayal of Djibouti in the US State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 2019 underscores the significant human rights infringements, depicting a state marred by corruption, violence against women, and substantial interference with privacy rights.
Moreover, despite the existence of a legal quota to ensure women’s representation in the National Assembly, women in Djibouti remain overwhelmingly underrepresented in leadership roles and face barriers to employment and healthcare access. The patriarchal grip is further tightened by prevalent practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the implementation of a Sharia-based family code, leading to manifold discriminations against women in marriage and divorce.
Iran’s Perilous Landscape:
Similarly, Iran’s human rights record is alarming, with severe restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms. The compulsory hijab rules impose a stringent restriction on women’s personal freedoms, leading to incidents of public arrest and, tragically, even death due to alleged non-compliance. The fervent protests following such reprehensible incidents are met with force, leading to extensive casualties. Such scenarios unmask the deeply entrenched systemic issues and the oppressive regimes undermining basic human rights in the nation.
The Uneasy Alliance:
Given the deleterious human rights environments within Djibouti and Iran, their diplomatic reunion draws attention and apprehension. The international community must navigate this development with caution and awareness, keeping the human rights infringements within these nations in the foreground.
A Call for Human Rights Advocacy:
While nations are bound to foster diplomatic relations, the resumption of ties between Djibouti and Iran should serve as a catalyst for intensified scrutiny and advocacy for human rights within these countries. The international community and human rights organisations must leverage this juncture to amplify their calls for reforms and enhancements in human rights protections within these nations.
Reflections:
While diplomatic relations are integral to international peace and cooperation, the restoration of ties between countries with appalling human rights records, such as Djibouti and Iran, raises profound concerns. The global fraternity must maintain its vigilance and continue its advocacy for human rights reforms in these nations, ensuring that the quest for diplomatic harmonisation does not overshadow the urgent and unmet needs for human rights amelioration.
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