Ahwazi Nakba Day, observed annually on April 20th, commemorates the displacement and suffering of the Ahwazi Arab people, particularly in the wake of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. During Ahwazi Nakba Day, demonstrations and events are held worldwide to raise awareness of the plight of the Ahwazi Arabs and to demand recognition of their rights.
In April, it’s common for Ahwazi activists and supporters to organize demonstrations and rallies in various cities. One notable event was a demonstration held in London, where Ahwazi activists marched to Downing Street, the residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The purpose of this demonstration was to hand a letter to the Prime Minister, urging the UK government to take action to support the Ahwazi cause and address the human rights abuses against Ahwazi Arabs in Iran.
London, April 20, 2024 — The Ahwazi Democratic Solidarity Party of Alahwaz, in collaboration with other Ahwazi parties, led a delegation to No. 10 Downing Street in London on April 20th, delivering a letter addressing the ongoing crisis in Ahwaz, Iran, following what they term as the “Ahwaz Nakba”.
Ahwaz Nakba, echoing the Palestinian Nakba, refers to the historical suffering and displacement experienced by the Ahwazi Arab people in southwestern Iran. Despite occurring decades ago, its impact is still keenly felt today, especially amid current tensions with the Iranian government.
The delegation, comprising representatives from various Ahwazi political groups, emphasized the urgent need for international attention and intervention in light of the escalating human rights abuses and oppression faced by Ahwazi Arabs.
The letter handed to British officials at No. 10 Downing Street outlined several key demands, including:
Recognition of Ahwazi Arab Rights: The delegation called for recognition of the rights of the Ahwazi Arab people, including their right to self-determination, cultural preservation, and political representation.
End to Repression: They urged the British government to condemn the Iranian government’s systematic repression of Ahwazi Arabs, which includes arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions.
International Protection: The delegation requested international protection for Ahwazi Arab communities facing violence and discrimination, particularly in the face of government-sponsored demographic change and land confiscation.
“The Ahwazi people are experiencing a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention from the international community,”. “We call upon the British government, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, to support our just cause and exert diplomatic pressure on Iran to respect the rights of Ahwazi Arabs.”
While the British government has not yet issued a formal response, the delegation expressed hope that their appeal would resonate with policymakers and lead to concrete actions to address the plight of the Ahwazi Arab community.
As Ahwazi activists continue to raise awareness and advocate for their rights globally, the struggle for justice and recognition for the Ahwaz Nakba remains a central focus of their efforts.
The Media Committee
20th April 2024
