Dialogue and Collaboration Key for Democratic Movements in Iran

Unity expressed by Iranian civil society, nationalities and democracy movements in commitment to bring about change through dialogue and collaboration.

Friday, 02 July 2010

A two day event held in the Italian Parliament brought together Italian Senators, Members of Parliament, Iranian exiles, human rights defenders, civil society representatives and international experts to forge concrete proposals on how to consolidate the democratic transition in Iran to the betterment of all Iranian citizens including non-Persian nationalities who face ongoing discrimination and marginalisation from political processes.

The conference, organised by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization and supported by the Nonviolent Radical Party, gave opportunity to Iranian exiled leaders from different political backgrounds to discuss the current situation in Iran and the possibility of a democratic transition which accommodates the demands of its different social, political religious and nationalities. In light of a year which has seen harsh clampdowns on civil uprise and protest, continued executions without due process, and the controversial election of Iran onto the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the conference and round table was seen by participants as very topical and well deserving of in depth analysis.

Sen. Pietro Marcenaro, Chairman of the Special Committee on Human Rights stated that the international community could support democratic movements in Iran, but that change had to be driven and organised by the diverse and multifaceted Iranian people. He argued that international focus on human rights violations in Iran was of greater importance than overemphasizing the nuclear issue, since overemphasing the latter could conceal ongoing obstacles to a peaceful, stable, democratic Iran. Sen. Emma Bonino, Vice President of the Senate expressed full support of the meeting convened to bring together communities that shared hope in a democratic Iran, founded on principles of nonviolence. She stressed that Iran must not only be looked at through a lens of civil or military use of nuclear power, but analysis of inclusive movements and how to further dialogue.

Nasser Boladai, member of The Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran, highlighted the complexities of Iranian society whose government manifests systemic discrimination on the basis of nation, gender and social position with continued oppression of all opposition groups, creating tension both in the region and internationally. He advocated for dialogue and collaboration between Iranian opposition groups which should be opened up to the international community to help safeguard Iranian People and different national interests.

Focusing on Iran’s democratisation process, speakers stressed the need for popular participation of all individuals in politics and civil society in Iran, as well as the need for more access and more publicity in the international sphere. Representatives of nationalities who are seldom mentioned in the press or in the analysis of Iran came together to participate in the debate. It was discussed how secularism need not be an anti-religious concept and noted how the exploitation of natural wealth and the non-equal distribution of profits are a major obstacle to peace and prosperity. Some speakers referred to “Politics of apartheid” as minorities cannot read and write their own language nor defend themselves in Court or study in their mother tongue. Much debate focused on the conditions for free elections as well as the need to combat discrimination and ensure respect for human rights.

On the specific panel on the role of the international community, experts offered advice on the need to develop consensus on the true meaning of a federalist system and the content of a desirable constitutional framework as well as the promotion of local ownership by civil society over policy priorities to ensure responsibility for the changes they are advocating for.

The conference in the Chamber of Deputies was closed by Senator Perduca and Mr. Marco Pannella, President of the Senate of the Nonviolent Radical Party, both of whom stressed the Italian role in developments in Iran. Ms. Maggie Murphy, UNPO Programme Manager underlined the significance of having such a diverse set of speakers representing a variety of interests and political beliefs sit on the same panel for the very first time. Commending the unity of the different nationalities, she concluded that the conference was a genuine marker of true commitment to the principles of democracy and peace.

The conference was followed by a hearing in the Italian Senate during which time UNPO supported a delegation who represented the views of Baloch, Ahwazi Arab, Azerbijani Turk, Kurds and Turkmen and briefed Senators about the systematic stifling of political activity and cultural development amongst these populations.

Source: UNPO