Understanding Current Events in Iran

In September 2022, human rights protests erupted across Iran following the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested in Tehran, Iran for “unsuitable attire.”

We've curated a selection of articles, books and movies that can help you to navigate current events in Iran. 

We're your source for reliable, current and relevant information that you can trust. Access to download or borrow all content is free with an RHPL card. Any person who lives, works or goes to school in York Region is eligible for a free RHPL card. 

Need more help? Access the support of a Librarian through chat, email or phone.

Current News Articles and General Information

With your RHPL card, you get access to the latest news content through The New York Times and PressReader. PressReader gives you access to The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, London Free Press, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, La Razon, Iran Daily and many, many more news sources from around the world.

Access PressReader 

Access The New York Times

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Government of Canada: Travel Advisory - Iran

Global Affairs Canada: Statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Mélanie Joly

Content For Families and Classrooms

If children in your life want to know more about what is going on, Explora helps to provide background information and up-to-date articles. Some examples of useful articles and encyclopedia entries include:

• Country Report: Iran
• Topic Overview: Iran

Click on "Institutional Login" and follow the prompts to access Explora with your RHPL card. Kids can also check our Britannica for detailed background information on the countries involved. 

Library Subject Guides:

• Grade 8 Geography - Global Inequalities
• Grade 6 Social Studies - Canada’s Interaction with the Global Community

Ebooks

You can also explore these eBooks for kids, available through Hoopla: 

• Kids eBooks about Iran
• Kids eBooks about women’s rights
• Kids eBooks about human rights

Movies with the National Film Board

This film is free to watch while you're in our branches – all you need to do is create a free account with the National Film Board.

The Tree That Remembers, 50 minutes (mature subject matter, viewer discretion is advised)

Further Reading and Research

Gale OneFile has access to peer-reviewed articles and magazine articles from around the world. Access articles from academic journals about Iran, protests and human rights on Gale OneFile here.