Iranian Kurdistan has been a member of the UNPO since 2007. 

Iranian Kurdistan has been subject to a long history of territorial partition with the longstanding oppression of its identity and people.

The people of Iranian Kurdistan constitute a rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity, including Shi’a, Sunni, and followers of the Yarsan faith, unified by a strong Kurdish identity that transcends religious differences. Despite this diversity, they share a common history of resistance against territorial partition and the systematic suppression of their cultural and political rights by the Iranian government.

The Kurdish people in Iran, predominantly residing in the northwest region of the country, have faced long-standing repression and exclusion from political decision-making processes by the Iranian government. The Iranian government systematically suppresses Kurdish political movements, targets activists, human rights groups and imposes restrictions on the Kurdish language and cultural practices.

The exercise of the right to self-determination is crucial for the Kurdish people in Iran as it addresses the systemic injustices and historical grievances they have endured, including military aggression, human rights violations, and institutional discrimination. By reclaiming control over their land, resources, and governance, the Kurds can preserve their cultural identity, participate fully in political processes, and secure their future as a distinct community. Self-determination is not only a fundamental human right recognized by international law but also an essential pathway to achieving justice, equality, and lasting peace for the Kurdish people in Iran.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of people of Iranian Kurdistan as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Iranian Kurdistan. However, the main organization representing the rights of the Iranian Kurds within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI). You can read more about the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan here.

The Iranian Kurdistanh population is made up of Shi’a and Sunni, as well as followers of the pre-Islamic Kurdish religion of Yarsan, however, religion does not form a part of the Iranian Kurdistan identity.

Iranian Kurdistan, located in the western part of Iran, is home to a rich tapestry of Kurdish communities, each characterized by its own traditions, dialects, and cultural practices. The Kurdish people in this region have a vibrant culture, reflected in their music, dance, literature, and cuisine, all of which showcase their long history of artistic expression. The Kurdish language, an Indo-European language with several dialects spoken across the region, is a central element of Kurdish identity. Despite the challenges posed by political repression, the Kurdish people of Iranian Kurdistan continue to cherish and preserve their cultural heritage, which remains a vital source of resilience and pride.

Iranian Kurdistan, also known as Eastern Kurdistan, stretches from Mount Ararat in the north to the Zagros Mountains in the south. The region is rich in natural resources, yet the Kurdish population has historically been relegated to agricultural dependence due to decades of economic exploitation by the Iranian state. This economic marginalization has deepened the socio-economic disparities faced by the Kurdish people. Kurdish national identity is deeply rooted in a shared history, language, and cultural heritage, all of which have been systematically suppressed by the Iranian government.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which initially saw Kurdish participation, quickly turned against the Kurds when Ayatollah Khomeini declared a Jihad (“Holy War”) against them. This marked the beginning of a prolonged period of military, economic, and psychological warfare that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The Iranian state’s ongoing repression has galvanized Kurdish calls for the establishment of a federal state within Iran, as a means to safeguard their rights and autonomy.

The human rights situation in Iran, particularly for minorities like the Kurdish population, remains deeply concerning. Systemic repression, discrimination, and widespread violations of fundamental freedoms continue unabated. Kurdish communities face pervasive unequal treatment, including arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial executions, often targeting activists, political dissidents, and human rights defenders. These actions are part of a broader strategy by the Iranian government to suppress any form of dissent, particularly among its ethnic minorities, who have long sought greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural and linguistic rights.

In recent years, the situation has been further exacerbated by widespread protests across Iran, notably the women’s protests sparked by the tragic death of Jina (Mahsa) Amini in September 2022. Amini, a young Kurdish woman, died in custody after being arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women. Her death ignited a wave of protests, led predominantly by women and supported by various ethnic and social groups, including Kurds. These protests quickly evolved into a broader movement against the Iranian government’s repressive policies, with demands for greater freedoms, gender equality, and an end to systemic violence and discrimination.

The Iranian government’s response to these protests has been marked by severe crackdowns, with security forces employing excessive violence, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and mass arrests. The protests have also drawn attention to the broader issues of ethnic discrimination, as many of the affected individuals come from minority groups, including Kurds, who have long been marginalized and excluded from political power in Iran.

The international community has increasingly scrutinized Iran’s human rights record, particularly in light of these recent events, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and accountability mechanisms. However, despite growing international pressure, the Iranian government has continued its repressive policies, further entrenching the systemic injustices faced by minorities like the Kurdish population.

In this context, the exercise of the right to self-determination for the Kurdish people becomes even more crucial. It represents a path towards reclaiming their rights, protecting their cultural identity, and ensuring their participation in the political processes that affect their lives. Without such recognition, the cycle of repression and violence is likely to continue, undermining the prospects for peace, justice, and equality in the region.