Reports and Open Letters
Repression of those seeking truth and justice for 1980s killings needs to stop
JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT The Iranian authorities should stop the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of human rights defenders seeking truth and justice on behalf of individuals who were summarily executed or forcibly disappeared during the 1980s and their families, said 20 human rights groups. Over the past few months, several human rights defenders, including Mansoureh Behkish, Maryam AkbariMonfared and Raheleh Rahemipour, have been subjected to harassment, reprisals or prosecution on vague national security-related charges for their
Written by admin in 8 March 17Read more
Flags of Identity – Flags of State
Ref: 229/M/533 Re: Flags of Identity – Flags of State Dear Secretary Kerry Following the 2015 Freestyle Wrestling World Cup in Los Angeles I have become aware that Iranian spectators were prohibited from carrying their flags and am writing to express concern about the repeat of such decision for any future sports events. The flag of Iranian national unity and identity has carried the emblem of the lion and the rising sun for over one
Written by admin in 26 May 15Read more
Environmental crisis in western and southwestern Iran
Open letter to UN experts supported by 11 civil and human rights organisations Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran Mr. John Knox, UN Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Mr. Dainius Pūras, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental
Written by admin in 16 February 15Read more
Legalising Paedophilia?
Legalising Paedophilia? ‘Unsupervised or Ill Supervised Children and Youth Protection Bill’ Islamic Republic of Iran Ratified 22 September 2013 Ref: 214/M/518 Date: 26 September 2013 Summary On 22 September 2013 the Islamic Consultative Assembly ratified a Bill by which a legal guardian can marry his/her adoptive child. Although the ‘Unsupervised or Ill Supervised Children and Youth Protection Bill’ has some positive points it also has many ambiguities and other objectionable articles. However,
Written by admin in 22 September 13Read more
SEXUAL ABUSE OF FEMALE PRISONERS CONSTITUTES TORTURE
Ref: 206/M/510 Date: Tuesday, 06 November 2012 In a letter addressed to the head of notorious Evin prison, Ali Ashraf Rostami Aghdam, thirty three female prisoners of conscience expressed their outrage at the brutality with which they were stripped and cavity searched. They state in no uncertain terms that the treatment they received and the manner in which they were searched was nothing short of sexual abuse. They have vowed never again. They assert that
Written by admin in 6 November 12Read more
‘The International Day for the Right to the Truth’
Ref: 205 / M / 509 Date: 24 March 2012 ‘The International Day for the Right to the Truth’ concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 24th of March 2012 marks the second ‘International Day for the Right to the Truth’. This day recognises the right of the families to the truth regarding the fate of their loved ones at the hands of their persecutors. It honours the memory of victims
Written by admin in 24 March 12Read more
International Women’s Day 2012 and the Family Protection Bill in Iran
Date: 8 March 2012 International Women’s Day 2012 and the Family Protection Bill in Iran While the world celebrates international women’s day today Iranian women face further legalised discrimination. On 6 March 2012, the outgoing eighth Islamic Consultative Assembly (the parliament) passed articles of the [anti] Family Protection Bill that allows polygamy allows temporary marriage lasting from a negotiated few minutes to a number of years allows girls of thirteen and younger to be married remains
Written by admin in 8 March 12Read more
The unveiling of “40 Tekeh”
Foreign Press Association, 25 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5AP Read Amnesty International interview with Roya Kashefi On the occasion of the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 4 x 1 meter protest banner made in Iran was unveiled by Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI) in collaboration with the International Coalition Against Violence in Iran (ICAVI). Called “Chehel Tekeh,” the banner is supported by 15,000 names, addresses and signatures fromWritten by admin in 25 November 11Read more
Lake Oroumieh: urgent environmental crisis unfolding in North West of Iran
Ref: 201 / M / 501 Date: Tuesday, 30 August 2011 HE Ban Ki-Moon UN Secretary General UN – New York Your Excellency, I would like to draw your attention to an urgent environmental crisis unfolding in North West of Iran with national, regional and global consequences. Lake Oroumieh, the world’s third largest salt lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is drying up at an alarming rate due to drought, misguided irrigation
Written by admin in 30 August 11Read more
Protest Against Executions in Iran
Ref: 173/M/386 Date: Sunday, 09 May 2010 His Excellency Ban Ki Moon Secretary General of the United Nations Dear Secretary General, Escalation of Executions in Iran letter in pdf We write to register our strongest protest at the increasing number of executions in Iran. Among the five executed this morning[i] three had their cases open and under review. While in detention they were repeatedly tortured, ill treated and degraded and deprived of
Written by admin in 9 May 10Read more
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Islamic Republic and membership of CSW
Date: Tuesday, 27 April 2010 Ref: 172/M/384 His Excellency Hamidon Ali President of ECOSOC UN – NY Your Excellency, Islamic Republic and membership of CSW We are writing to express our grave concern at the news that the Islamic Republic may be joining the Commission on the Status of Woman. With respect Sir, this is a warning to a Commission whose function and duty is to ensure gender equality and advancement of women globally
Written by admin in 27 April 10Read more
MEDIA RELEASE – ‘Be Our Voice’
‘Be Our Voice’ Download PDF: 14 kb Today, an anti death penalty in Iran campaign is launched. Supported by Iranian human rights groups and political parties it condemns the death penalty and its shameful use as a political tool in Islamic Republic’s internal factional fighting. London, 3 February 2010 – The Islamic Republic unjustly executed its first minor on political charges on 27 January 2010. Four girls and 134 boys, all juvenile offenders, remain
Written by admin in 3 February 10Read more
61st Anniversary of UDHR
Ref: 168/M/377 As the world celebrates Human Rights Day on December 10, and world over human rights defenders are celebrated and honoured, in Iran they are arrested, detained, tortured, imprisoned and given long custodial terms. The protection and promotion of human rights has become nothing but a mockery in Iran. International obligations and commitments are ignored. Even Islamic human rights, which disregards the universality of equality of rights, is not observed. The Islamic Republic’s
Written by admin in 10 December 09Read more
Protest over Proposed harmonisation of EU Asylum Laws
Date: 28 April 2004 Ref: 96/M/271 Mr Bertie Ahern The Taoiseach and EU President Government Buildings Merron Street Upper Dublin – 2 Protest over Proposed harmonisation of EU Asylum Laws Return to designated safe third countries. The proposed appeals procedure. Detentions and enforced deportations. We would like to add our voice of concern and protest over the proposed asylum laws being debated this week. It is with regret that we
Written by admin in 28 April 04Read more
WHY WE ARE ASYLUM SEEKERS
Ref: 90/M/263 Date: 30 January 2004 The Iranian Asylum Seekers’ Charter “WHY WE ARE ASYLUM SEEKERS” To: The People in the Four Corners of the World Who are our Hosts The United Nations The European Union The United States To Canada, Australia … In the last twenty five years, since the Islamic Revolution, over four million of Iranians have been dispersed around the world far from home and family. The fact that: what proportion
Written by admin in 30 January 04Read more
Open letter to President Bush
Ref: 75 / M / 224 Date: April 28, 2002 Dear President Bush The suggested legislation of the US Senate on 18th of April concerning the limitation of US visa for Iranian people and citizens of six other countries has troubled the Iranian community in the US and the rest of the world and raised numerous questions. For Iranians in the first instance there is unreserved sympathy followed by deep respect for the American nation
Written by admin in 28 April 02Read more
The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights and the Islamic Republic
Ref: 74 / M / 223 Date: 22 April 2002 The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights and the Islamic Republic The UNHCHR toady announced that the mandate for its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Islamic Republic would not be renewed. By disregarding the European Union’s request for censuring the Islamic Republic for its repeated human rights violations, the twenty countries voting in favour of the Islamic Republic also disregarded the
Written by admin in 22 April 02Read more
State of the Union Address
Ref.: 68 / M / 215 Date: January 30, 2002 To: The White House From: Association of Iranian Researchers Subject: State of the Union Address The remarks made by the President of the United States in the State of the Union Address contained many thought provoking items suggesting the future US policies towards global issues. As expected a major part of the speech addressed US’s future policy in relation to the war against international terrorism.
Written by admin in 30 January 02Read more
Letter to the British Parliament
Date: Thursday, October 04, 2001 Ref.: 65 / M / 205 The Rt Hon Members of Parliament Following the bloody and tragic events of 11th September, the world has united in addressing issues concerning terrorism. The worldwide condolences and condemnations, the international coalition against global terrorism, urgent trips of various world leaders to the United States of America and the resolution of the UN Security Council are the public signs of this. However, since
Written by admin in 4 October 01Read more
USA’s mistake: Second letter to Secretary Powell
Sunday, 30 September 2001 Ref.: 64 / M / 204 To: The Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Dear Secretary Powell The Association des Chercheurs Iraniens after its last letter referenced 59/M/199 dated September 16th would like to reiterate the following points: The United States of America has repeated its mistake of twenty two years ago over the US diplomats hostage crisis negotiations. At that time, President Carter believed that the Islamic President had the power
Written by admin in 30 September 01Read more
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Letter to Tony Blair PM: Jack Straw’s visit to Iran
Date: Friday, September 21, 2001 Ref.: 202 / M / 62 Subject: The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Tehran Dear Prime Minster Has long-term economic betterment blinded reason again? The sudden announcement of the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw’s visit to Tehran next week has made us question the real reason behind the trip. Although President Khatami’s condemnation of the terrorist attacks of last week and the strengthening of the international coalition against State sponsored Terrorism
Written by admin in 21 September 01Read more
Open Letter to Colin Powell: International Coalition against Global Terrorism
Date: September 16, 2001 Ref.: 199 / M / 59 To: The Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Subject: Membership of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the International Coalition to Fight Terrorism Dear Mr. Secretary Following our notice of condemnation of the abhorrent terrorist attacks (198/M/58 – 12.09.01 copy attached) and while reiterating our heart felt condolences to you and the people of United States of America we would like to express our
Written by admin in 16 September 01Read more
Terror in USA
Ref.: 58 M 198 Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2001 Without a doubt, the heinous terrorist attacks in the United States of America will be recorded as one of the most evil events of the twenty first century. We must declare our abhorrence and disgust and honour the memory of the victims who innocently lost their lives. Once again, this recent carnage has demonstrated that we cannot and must not ignore terrorism in the world. To
Written by admin in 12 September 01Read more
G8 and the Issues of Refugees
Ref.: 56 – M – 196 Thursday July 19, 2001 Canada: Prime Minister Jean Chretian France: President Jacques Chirac Germany: Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder Italy: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Japan: Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Russia: President Putin United Kingdom: Prime Minister Tony Blair United States of America: President George Bush Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, The Displaced While thousands of protesters have massed in Genoa for the first in a series of demonstrations against the 27th annual economic
Written by admin in 19 July 01Read more
The First Analysis of the Eighth Presidential Election
Sunday June 10, 2001 Ref.: 123 / B / 193 The First Analysis of the Eighth Presidential Elections The Association of Iranian Researchers with deep respect for the will of the people, those who participated by going to the ballot boxes and those who chose not to, would like to announce its first analysis of the votes based on the officials figures published by the Islamic Republic: According to the final figures published by the
Written by admin in 10 June 01Read more
Open letter 5: To Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights
Date: April 3, 2001 Our Reference: 163 – M – 50 Mrs. Mary Robinson High Commissioner for Human Rights Dear Madam, Situation of Human Rights in Iran Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Ali Khorram’s call on the UN to recognise Islamic Republic’s improved record on Human Rights and to drop it from the agenda of the current annual meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission prompted us to write this letter.
Written by admin in 3 April 01Read more
Situation of Human Rights in Iran
Date: April 3, 2001 Our Reference: 163 – M – 50 Mrs. Mary Robinson High Commissioner for Human Rights Dear Madam, Situation of Human Rights in Iran Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Ali Khorram’s call on the UN to recognise Islamic Republic’s improved record on Human Rights and to drop it from the agenda of the current annual meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission prompted us to write this letter.
Written by admin in 3 April 01Read more
UN Dialogue Among Civilisations / Millennium Summit
Ref: 45/M/151 Monday, 11 September 2000 Dear Mr. Secretary-General United Nations Year of ‘Dialogue Among Civilizations’ Millennium Summit As the president of Association des Chercheurs Iraniens – ACI, I would like to congratulate the United Nations on organising two successful meetings simultaneously. At ACI, we base our activities on the same belief as the United Nations that dialogue could triumph over discord and that the people of the world are far more united by a
Written by admin in 11 September 00Read more
Open letter 4: To Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during Khatami’s visit to Germany
Thursday, 06 July, 2000 Ref: 42 / M / 148 Dear Chancellor Schroder Association of Iranian Researchers would like to draw your attention to a few observations with reference to the forthcoming visit of Mr. Mohamad Khatami the President of the Islamic Republic to Germany: Human Rights Issues During the last three years, one of the most unusual events in Iran’s history has taken place. Both the government and the regime of the
Written by admin in 6 July 00Read more
Anniversary of the Student Demonstration
Date: 4 July 2000 Ref: 41 / M / 147 Marking the anniversary of the Student Movement and People Awareness One year has passed since the inhumane raid on the student’s dormitory. One year has passed since the brutal attack on the defenseless students and people who where demanding their just rights. Over one and a half year has passed since the heinous murders of Parvaneh and Darioush Foroohar Over one and a
Written by admin in 4 July 00Read more
Islamic Republic on the Verge of 1978?
Ref: 39 / M / 140 Date: 23 April 2000 “The trend of change in Iran” The Islamic Republic on the verge of 1978? Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI), an organisation dedicated to unbiased research and study of issues concerning Iran and its future, sums up the present situation in Iran as follow: In a space of twenty two years Iran is once again faced with the dilemma it found itself in 1978 be it
Written by admin in 23 April 00Read more
Kharazi Visit to London
Monday, January 10, 2000 Ref: 37 / M /136 The Right Honourable Tony Blair Prime Minister 10 Downing Street SW1A 2AA London Sir, Meeting with Kamal Kharazi, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foreign Minister Association of Iranian Researchers, with respect, subsequent to Britain’s improved relations with Islamic Republic of Iran and the imminent meeting with its Foreign Minister would like to draw your attention to the following points: As I am sure you are
Written by admin in 10 January 00Read more
Open letter 3 – to Mr Khatami
34/M/117 11 July 1999 To Seyed Mohamad Khatami. the President of the Islamic Republic Following our second open letter to you – 32/M/115, 20 June 1999 – exactly 21 days a go, we have witnessed a series of grievous events in Iran that although tragic did not come as a surprise to us. Association of Iranian Researchers dedicated in studying the problems and issues concerning every day lives of Iranians and their future had predicted
Written by admin in 11 July 99Read more
The Rightful Demands of the Students
33/M/116 11 July 1999 The Rightful Demands of the Students and the People of Iran Association of Iranian Researchers would like to give its full support to the democratic and rightful demands and protest by the university students of Iran. ACI also regrets the futile loss of lives in this incident. ACI is confident that the general protest, which without a doubt has stemmed from a national desire, will not stop even in the
Written by admin in 11 July 99Read more
Open letter 2 – to Mr Khatami
Ref: 32/M/105 20 June 1999 To Seyed Mohamad Khatami, the President of the Islamic Republic While assessing your performance two years after your election to office in May 1997, it would be unfair to disregard ‘political expansion’ in Iran’s evolving society. However, the people of Iran are tired and weary with the absolute rule of the ‘Vali Faghih’. As on previous occasions, in their excitement they have forgotten to ask you also for a concrete
Written by admin in 20 June 99Read more
Twenty years after the Islamic Revolution
February 1999 In societies where the will of its leader is paramount, his thinking is the determining factor and everyone depends on him alone. Within this environment, revolutions are an inevitability. If one looks at the history of countries that have ‘great leaders’, ‘experienced chiefs’ or ‘caring fathers’ it is evident that that this does not encourage the growth of social logic, self reliance or forward practical planning and thinking. A look at countries like
Written by admin in 11 February 99Read more
Open letter 1 – to Mr Khatami
Ref: 20 / M / 90 Date: 22 June 1998 To Mr. Khatami, the popularly elected president of the Iranian nation Mr. President, without doubt your election was the result of a stifled and repressed nation under immense pressure crying out for change choosing you to: Establish a civil society – one of your particular slogans – and create an open political environment where there is freedom for political parties to form and operate End
Written by admin in 22 June 98Read more