“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”
Written by ACI in 10 December 24in Iran, harm is not just a possibility; it is an everyday reality.
As the world commemorates the 76th Human Rights Day, we, as Iranians, face this moment with grave concern and uncertainty about our nation’s future. The theme this year calls us to act with urgency—and for Iranians, this call could not be more vital.
“Human rights have a preventative role: By defending human rights, we can prevent harm before it happens.”
Yet, in Iran, harm is not just a possibility; it is an everyday reality. The Islamic Consultative Assembly recently advanced the so-called “Family Protection Law through the promotion of chastity and hejab,” a measure that openly threatens the safety, liberty, and lives of Iranian women and children. Rather than preventing harm, these laws enshrine it in the name of control and oppression.
“Human rights have a protective role: They shield against abuses, ensuring dignity and respect for all.”
Iran’s theocratic legal system does the opposite—it legitimises and perpetuates systemic discrimination on the basis of gender and religion. These are not protections; they are mechanisms of subjugation that rob every Iranian of their fundamental rights and freedoms.
“Human rights have a transformative role: They are a powerful force for good.”
With the ‘Woman Life Freedom’ movement over the past two and a half years, Iranians—both within and beyond the nation’s borders—have spoken loud and clear. In the face of brutal oppression, they have risked and even sacrificed their lives for a future defined by freedom, justice, and equality. Their unwavering resistance embodies the transformative power of human rights in action.
Today, as Iranians, we join the world in celebrating Human Rights Day with steadfast hope for a brighter future. We dream of a nation where every individual, regardless of gender, belief, or identity, can live with dignity, respect, and equality.
But hope alone is not enough. To realise this vision, we need the international community to stand with us, amplify our voices, and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its violations. Together, we can ensure that the universal promise of human rights is not just a slogan but a lived reality—for Iran, and for all.
This Human Rights Day, let us declare boldly: Our rights are non-negotiable, our future is worth fighting for, and the time to act is now.
ACI Human Rights Committee
December 10, 2024