The Right to the City and the Rule of Law in Supporting Vulnerable Groups: An Analysis of the Status of Citizenship Rights in Iran’s Urban Legal System

Abstract

The expansion of urbanization in recent decades has transformed cities into the primary context of human social and economic life, thereby increasing the significance of rights and demands associated with urban living. One of the key concepts presented in this domain is the “right to the city,” which refers to a set of citizens’ rights to equitable access to urban facilities, services, and opportunities. The realization of this right requires the existence of efficient legal and institutional structures capable of ensuring equal access to urban resources through the guarantee of the rule of law. In this context, vulnerable urban groups are among those most exposed to deprivation from urban rights due to economic, social, or physical conditions. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the right to the city, the rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable groups within Iran’s urban legal system. This research seeks to elucidate the conceptual dimensions of the right to the city, analyze the extent to which Iranian urban laws and regulations address the needs of vulnerable groups, and evaluate the role of the rule of law in safeguarding citizenship rights in urban spaces. The findings indicate that although principles such as social justice, equality of citizens, and support for disadvantaged groups have been emphasized in Iranian laws and legal documents, the fragmentation of regulations, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the absence of a coherent approach in urban policymaking have posed significant challenges to the effective realization of the right to the city for many vulnerable groups. Therefore, strengthening the rule of law in urban governance and reforming existing legal frameworks can play a crucial role in achieving urban justice and providing effective support for vulnerable populations.