On December 10, 2023, the global community will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the landmark document that affirms the inherent and inalienable rights of every person. The UDHR, promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, represents a historic commitment to fundamental human rights, transcending barriers of race, color, religion, sex, etc. This report examines the significance of this landmark statement and its lasting impact on the global pursuit of justice and equality.
Historical background:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is available in more than 500 languages, is the most important legal document in the world. Adopted after World War II, the Declaration was drafted with the aim of creating a comprehensive framework for the protection of human rights worldwide.
Over the following decades, the Declaration has evolved to address emerging challenges and extended its support to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants.
Iran: the complex landscape of human rights
The human rights situation in Iran has consistently been a matter of international concern, with reports highlighting challenges related to freedom of expression, political freedoms, and the treatment of minority groups. Despite adhering to the UDHR, Iran's political behavior at the domestic and foreign levels has complicated the human rights situation in this country and has affected ongoing developments and issues that require attention and support, which require the pressure and efforts of the international community to resolve.
Addressing the mentioned challenges requires international cooperation and joint efforts. The role of international organizations, governments and civil society in advancing the principles of the UDHR in the current state of crisis and global crises is very important. By strengthening dialogue and cooperation, the global community can collectively work toward a future in which human rights are not only protected on paper, but are actually realized in the daily lives of people around the world.
Iranian Kurdistan and human rights:
Throughout the history of the Kurdistan people of Iran, they have endured a long history of challenges and violations of fundamental human rights by the governments ruling Iran. From restrictions on cultural and language practices to discrimination in educational and employment opportunities, Kurds have regularly faced marginalization and oppression.
One of the most important violations has been the suppression of Kurdish cultural identity. The ruling governments of Iran have imposed restrictions on the Kurdish language in schools and official places, preventing the full expression of Kurdish cultural heritage. In addition, Kurds have faced political repression, often targeted for defending their rights and autonomy inside Iran. During the last four decades, the violation of political, social, cultural and citizenship rights of Kurds has become more prominent.
In addition, reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings of Kurdish activists and journalists have raised serious concerns about human rights violations. The lack of a fair trial exacerbates the critical situation of Kurdish rights, deprives them of justice and perpetuates the cycle of oppression.
In addition, access to adequate health care, social services, and infrastructure in Iranian Kurdistan is disproportionately limited. The lack of investment and development perpetuates the cycle of poverty, hampering the ability of society to access essential resources. Basic needs such as clean water, health facilities, and educational institutions are often insufficient or of lower quality in Kurdistan compared to other regions of Iran, which exacerbates inequalities and hinders the overall well-being of society. The spread of the Kolberi phenomenon in Kurdistan, especially the border areas adjacent to Iraq and Turkey, and the daily massacre of Kolbers shows the economic crisis that the Kurds are facing.
This continuous violation of the rights of the Kurdistan community not only hinders their progress, but also challenges the principles of equality and inclusiveness that a diverse society should uphold. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that ensures the protection of cultural rights, promotes fair access to resources, and creates an environment in which the Kurdistan community can fully participate in shaping its future in Iran. Respect and recognition of the diversity of cultures and identities, including the Kurdish culture, is fundamental to the establishment of a just and inclusive society in which the rights of each individual are protected and respected.
At the end, we provide a statistical overview of human rights violations in Kurdistan
In the past year, from December 10, 2022 to December 10, 2023, at least 110 Kurdish citizens were executed, of which 5 were executed for political reasons and with Moharba law. In this one year, more than 258 Kolbers were killed and injured, of which 201 were injured by direct fire from the security forces of the Iranian government, and 19 were killed by direct fire from the military forces.
In the past year, 1145 Kurdish citizens were summoned and arrested, and 25 people were killed by direct fire by the security forces during the citizens' protests called Woman , Life, Freedom, movement.
This statistic shows gross violations of human rights in Kurdistan. The names of all the people mentioned in the statistics have been identified for Hana Human Rights Organization and are registered in the Statistical Center of the organization.