Mahmoud Amiri Moghadam is the founder of the Iranian Human Rights Organization. The main focus of this organization is on the issue of fighting against executions.

Mr. Amiri Moghadam, in an interview on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Activists Group in Iran, emphasizes that “discrimination exists in all levels in a country like Iran” and speaks of peace: “The Activists Group publishes all human rights violations without discrimination and without considering the political, intellectual, religious, and sexual affiliations of these individuals, and in fact, any group in Iranian society can find news related to themselves among the news of others.”

He mentions “having a cohesive structure and not representing a specific ideology and political direction” as one of the most important reasons for the longevity and continuity of the activities of the group of activists.

How would you describe the human rights activists in Iran and if you could highlight one positive aspect of their performance, what would that positive aspect be in your opinion?

It can be said that the group of activists has the highest production in the field of human rights violations news among Iranian groups, and this news production greatly helps to raise awareness and also informs all individuals who are following these issues. Of course, I am more of a follower of the group of activists in terms of news, but I know that they also have other activities.

Another positive point is that in reality, all cases of human rights violations are published without discrimination and regardless of the individuals’ political, ideological, religious, and sexual affiliations. In fact, any group in Iranian society can find news related to themselves among the news on this platform. This kind of behavior is very valuable, considering the country’s conditions where discrimination is seen in all levels of society. This discrimination is prevalent in the government system, but it also exists in other forms among society and even within the civil society, and it is visible and evident in news reporting. I believe that this feature of rejecting discrimination is perhaps one of the most important characteristics of this platform.

This is a picture of a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
The activist group reports violations of Dervish rights – Photo from the archive of the human rights activist group in Iran.

What do you think is the most important factor for the sustainability and continuity of a human rights organization? Specifically, what differences can you mention for the human rights activists in Iran in this regard?

I believe that the concept of a civil society in Iran, both inside and outside the country, is a relatively new phenomenon. The collective is one of the groups that has a lot of resources in Iran and has continued its activities outside the country, and it is also one of the oldest institutions working in this field. I can guess that the reason for this is having a cohesive structure and not representing a specific ideology or political direction.

One of the reasons that groups cannot survive in Iran is most likely due to conflicts. It must be said that although most individuals who pursue such activities are concerned about human rights issues, personal matters usually lead to a decrease in activities or the group’s inability to continue. This is in a situation where when activities are based on an ideal of human rights, it can attract more individuals and even if those who are currently involved do something else tomorrow, new individuals can come and fill their place. The fact that new individuals can join the group and its sustainability is not dependent on one or a few specific individuals is a characteristic of a group that can endure.

As I mentioned, considering the fact that our civil society is young, ten years of activity is a lot of time for a group that was under pressure and suppressed within the country. Despite all of this, they have been active and deserve congratulations.

Mr. Amiri Moghadam, if you were to speak to your colleagues and companions of this group in the past decade, what would it be?

“این عکس یک منظره زیبا از کوهستان است که در طبیعت اطراف آن قرار گرفته است.”

“This photo is a beautiful landscape of a mountain that is surrounded by nature.”
The group of activists reports the violation of rights of dervishes – Photo from the archive of the human rights activists group in Iran.

I truly say to them, do not get tired. Everyone who works to defend human rights sometimes faces difficulties, criticism, and pressure, but as you have continued so far, continue your path; because the work you are doing is very valuable and strongly needed, and we all benefit from these activities. Of course, above all, those whose rights are violated, the activities of human rights organizations and institutions are important to them, but for all those who care about human rights, these activities are very important.

In conclusion, I hope that human rights violations will decrease so that your work will also be reduced. But as long as human rights violations exist, continue your work and path with energy.

We are grateful for your time that you have given us.