For almost five decades, the ruling authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran have systematically denied the political, cultural, linguistic, and economic rights of the country’s diverse national minorities. The Iranian regime has maintained a centralized and authoritarian system that suppresses the legitimate aspirations of the non-Persian peoples of Iran, including Kurds, Baluchs, Ahwazi Arabs, Azerbaijani Turks, Turkmen and others.
These national minorities have endured political repression, cultural assimilation policies, economic marginalization, forced displacement, demographic engineering policies in their regions, and severe violations of fundamental human rights. Representatives of these nations have repeatedly drawn attention in international forums to forced disappearances, restrictions on language and cultural expression, and discrimination in political participation.
Iran is not a homogenous society but a mosaic of diverse peoples and cultures. Yet the current system denies this reality and seeks to impose a rigid and centralized ideological order based on Shia sect of Islam and Persian nationalism . The result has been persistent instability, injustice, and repression of the country’s national minorities.
In response to these conditions, organizations representing several of Iran’s national minorities have long worked together within international frameworks and democratic alliances. Building upon this cooperation, and inspired by the vision of a democratic, federal and pluralistic Iran, representatives of the national minorities that are members of the UNPO have agreed to establish a Joint Working Committee.
This committee aims to strengthen coordination among our peoples, promote our shared principles, and advance a peaceful and democratic solution to Iran’s national question.
Common Principles
The Joint Working Committee bases its cooperation on the following shared principles, inspired by the commitments of democratic movements of Iran’s nationalities:
- Equality of Nations and Peoples
Iran belongs to all its peoples and national minorities. All nations in Iran must enjoy equal political, cultural, social, and economic rights without discrimination.
- A Democratic and Federal Iran
We support the transformation of Iran into a democratic, secular, and federal state, where different national communities exercise self-government within their regions while remaining part of a democratic and united country.
- Self-Rule and Decentralization
Federalism provides a peaceful and democratic framework for national self-rule, allowing each nation to govern its regional affairs while sharing responsibility for common national institutions.
- Human Rights and Rule of Law
The committee affirms full adherence to international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guaranteeing freedom of expression, association, religion, and political participation for all citizens.
- Cultural and Linguistic Rights
Every nation in Iran has the right to preserve and develop its language, culture, history, and identity. Education and public life must respect linguistic diversity and cultural autonomy.
- Secularism and Equality
The separation of religion and state is essential to ensure equality for all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or belief.
- Solidarity Among Iran’s Nationalities
The national movements of Iran are strategic allies in the common struggle against dictatorship and discrimination, and in the pursuit of democracy and justice for all.
Common Working Goals of the Joint Committee
The Joint Working Committee will pursue the following shared goals:
- Strengthening Cooperation
To facilitate regular coordination among the political and civil representatives of Iran’s national minorities within the UNPO framework.
- International Advocacy
To jointly advocate for the rights of Iran’s national minorities at international institutions, including the United Nations, the European Parliament, and global human rights organizations.
- Promoting a Democratic Federal Alternative
To promote awareness of the federal democratic alternative as a peaceful and sustainable solution to the national and political crises in Iran.
- Documentation of Human Rights Violations
To systematically document and report violations against national minorities in Iran and support international accountability mechanisms, and promote the implementation and enforcement of transitional justice.
- Supporting Non-violent Democratic Struggle
To coordinate efforts aimed at achieving democratic change in Iran through peaceful political struggle and international solidarity.
- Dialogue and Unity Among National Movements
To foster dialogue, mutual trust, and unity among the various national movements of Iran.
- Preparing for a Democratic Transition
To contribute to discussions and planning for a future democratic transition in Iran in which all nations and citizens participate equally in shaping the country’s political system.
Signatories: Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), Balochistan Peoples Party, Democratic Solidarity Party of Al-Ahwaz (DSPA) and South Azerbaijan Democrat Party (SADP)
