The Ahwazi Arabs have been a member of the UNPO since 2003. 

The Ahwazi Arabs’ distinct identity, historical ties to the Al-Ahwaz region, and ongoing struggles for recognition underscore their status as a distinct and unrepresented people. Despite the region’s wealth, the Ahwazi Arabs face severe economic, social, and political marginalization. Respecting their right to self-determination could help resolve these issues, fostering a more inclusive and just society in Iran. The UNPO supports the peaceful advocacy efforts of the Democratic Solidarity Party of Ahwaz (DSPA), which calls for a multi-national, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural state that respects the rights of all minorities within a secular, federal democratic republic.

The UNPO Secretariat advocates for the rights of the Ahwazi Arabs as a whole and collaborates with various civil society organizations and representatives from the Ahwazi Arab community. However, the primary representative body within the UNPO, with voting rights at the General Assembly, is the Democratic Solidarity Party of Ahwaz (DSPA).You can read more about the Democratic Solidarity Party of Ahwaz here.

The Ahwazi Arabs are considered a distinct people because of their unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identity, rooted in the Al-Ahwaz region of Iran. The Ahwazi Arabs, one of Iran’s largest minority groups, primarily reside in the Al-Ahwaz province, also known as Arabistan or Khuzestan. This region, bordering Iraq and the Gulf, is a strategic area rich in natural resources. The Ahwazi Arabs have a distinct cultural identity rooted in their Arabic language and heritage, which has been shaped by their historical ties to ancient Mesopotamia and their long-standing presence in the region.

Their history in the Al-Ahwaz region is intertwined with ancient civilizations and trade routes, making the area a cultural crossroads. However, the Ahwazi Arabs have faced continuous struggles for recognition, cultural rights, and autonomy within the Iranian state. Throughout the 20th century, they were subjected to forced assimilation, land confiscation, and marginalization by the Iranian government, which sought to centralize, control and suppress ethnic diversity. The discovery of oil in Khuzestan further exacerbated their challanges, as the wealth generated from their land did not benefit the local population, deepening socio-economic disparities and fueling political tensions.

As one of Iran’s largest minority groups, the Ahwazi Arabs reside in the resource-rich Al-Ahwaz region, which produces about 85% of Iran’s oil. Despite this, the Ahwazi Arabs face significant economic and social inequalities compared to the Persian majority. Discriminatory policies, coupled with efforts to Persianize the region, have led to high unemployment, poverty, and environmental degradation due to oil exploitation. The Iranian government’s land confiscation and resettlement projects have further marginalized Ahwazi farmers, eroding their cultural identity and exacerbating feelings of disenfranchisement.

Aggressive Persian nationalism has systematically excluded non-Persian languages and cultures from education and media, denying the multicultural reality of Iran. Human rights activists advocating for Ahwazi rights face severe repression, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and imprisonment. The Iranian government’s failure to respect its human rights obligations has intensified crackdowns on ethnic minorities, perpetuating a cycle of oppression.

The Ahwazi Arabs remain largely unrepresented within Iran’s political framework, and their right to self-determination is consistently denied. Recognizing and respecting their right to self-determination could help address the long-standing grievances of the Ahwazi people while foster a more inclusive and stable society. This would not only improve the welfare of the Ahwazi Arabs but also reduce tensions and contribute to the overall stability of the region.