It is not hidden that the rights of citizens in Iran have been continuously violated after the revolution. Today, this violation of rights has become a clear concern for the international community and civil society in Iran; to the extent that the violation of the rights of citizens is a major part of human rights reports on Iran. However, this attention has not been consistent in the decades after the revolution and has had an upward trend, and it is clear that over time, factors have played a positive role in highlighting the violation of the rights of citizens in Iran as we see today.

A peace agreement has been reached in this regard between the representatives of the global Baha’i community, Dian Alai and Simin Fahandezh, in Geneva. Mrs. Fahandezh is currently the spokesperson for this international community. In this conversation, we also asked about the role of human rights activists in Iran in relation to the Baha’i citizens’ rights demand during their ten years of activity…

Can it be said that the increase in awareness in Iranian society and the empowerment of Iranian society and civil organizations have been among the factors contributing to the increased attention to the violation of human rights in recent years?

Simin Fahandj:

If we look at the progress made in the past seven to eight years, and even before that, we can see that there has been an overall increase in awareness about the concept of human rights in Iran. In my opinion, after the events of 1988, the people of Iran realized that it was not just certain individuals who were being oppressed and mistreated. In fact, despite the efforts of the Islamic Republic over the past 30 years to portray certain groups, especially the Baha’i community, in a negative light through propaganda on television, newspapers, and other media outlets, in recent years people have come to understand that the Baha’is are innocent and that anyone who holds different beliefs from those of the government is subject to oppression and mistreatment in Iran. In this regard, civil and human rights activities have certainly had a significant impact.

Dian Alaii:

This is 100% true. Iranian civil society, human rights defenders, and even the people themselves have become more aware of human rights violations in the past three decades, and this not only demonstrates progress in Iranian civil society and human rights, but also reflects progress in Iranian society and the mindset of Iranians, which is a very positive outcome.

Multiple factors played a role in achieving such progress and subsequently addressing violations of human rights, and it is not possible to point to a specific factor. One of the most important of these factors is the increased attention of media outlets to the situation of human rights. Additionally, the increase in the number of human rights organizations and their activities has also been influential. Reaching a universal and non-discriminatory definition of human rights, meaning that if you are a human rights defender, you should not have any discrimination in your work, has been extremely important.

“این عکس یک منظره زیبا از کوهستان است”

This photo is a beautiful landscape of the mountains.
“The collection exposes violations of human rights against Baha’i citizens – Photo from the archive of human rights activists in Iran.”

We are on the verge of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Activists in Iran. At the time of its founding, the issue of human rights was considered taboo even among independent groups, or its implementation incurred security costs. With this description in mind, do you think that the Human Rights Activists have been able to make a significant impact in their decade of activity in promoting the rights of Bahai citizens and even increase the level of demands and awareness in society?

Simin Fahandzh:

One of the important characteristics of the activist community has been that a number of human rights activists who were inside Iran, due to the injustices that had been inflicted on the Baha’is and other groups in Iran, decided to form this group. In this regard, they carried out a lot of activities to raise awareness, especially in the media, which is very important for two reasons; both to show the world and to show solidarity with those who are suffering from oppression and injustice in Iran, to show them that they are not alone and that their society has not forgotten them, and also to remind them in the media and defend their rights in public forums. When we look at history, we see that past crimes have always happened in silence and darkness, and if we can use information to show these kinds of injustices to the world, we are certainly helping to promote human rights.

I can say that the activists’ group was one of the groups that broke the silence and was able to speak and inform about groups and minorities that were not previously talked about.

Dian Alaii:

There were various groups even before the establishment of the activist group, who boldly informed in this field. However, the courageous activity of the activist group should not be forgotten; because it is one of the organizations that has helped break this taboo.

The group of activists has shown during this time that their activities are committed and giving importance to the Baha’is is a sign of this matter, which is very interesting. In fact, in all the activities of this group, it can be seen that violating the rights of Baha’is is considered a violation of human rights.

During the activities of this group, we witnessed the presence and participation of young Bahai individuals; a collaboration that even the Iranian government could not hide their discomfort from. In your opinion, what kind of innovation and characteristic did this group have that was able to attract the attention of young Bahai individuals as a platform for their activities?

Dian Alaii:

This issue needs to be looked at from both sides. I believe that Baha’i youth wanted to serve their country and engage in various fields alongside other Iranians. With this definition, activities in the field of human rights, women’s rights, and children’s rights were also subjects that were important to these young people so that they could be active alongside others in these areas. On the other hand, it should also be considered that organizations such as the activist group also accepted these young people and showed that they are committed to their words and want to see Baha’i youth in a dynamic society in Iran.

Simin Fahandj:

Baha’i youth, just like all other youth living in Iran, have a desire to serve their country and live in a place where human rights and freedom are respected. In the country they live in, they want to be able to study, find jobs freely, and start families; in other words, they want to be able to live a normal life without fear of expressing their beliefs. However, when these basic rights are taken away from them, they naturally seek a way to not only defend their own rights, but also the rights of others. A group of activists and other organizations have started working and created a platform for many individuals who were interested in this field to be able to defend the rights of others and engage in meaningful activities.

“این تصویر نشان دهنده یک گلدان گل در حیاط پشتی خانه است.”

This image shows a flower pot in the backyard of a house.
The collection reveals violations of human rights against Baha’i citizens – Photo from the archive of human rights activists in Iran.

Do you think it is possible to create a general benefit for the human rights discourse in Iran by engaging in non-discriminatory activities and organizations? In other words, can a universal discourse be created by boldly addressing the demands of groups whose rights are taboo and costly, which would also benefit other oppressed groups or victims of human rights violations?

Dian Alaii:

In any case, there must be cooperation and collaboration for the progress of Iran in all areas, especially in the field of human rights. This is a fundamental issue and must be given great attention. In fact, the more this cooperation and participation increases, the more positive impact it will have on Iranian society. Without this solidarity, perhaps no positive progress can be achieved.

Simin Fahandj:

In my opinion, this discourse has been going on for several years. In United Nations conferences or the Human Rights Council, which is held three times a year, when speaking with Iranian civil organizations, individuals who are human rights activists, or journalists, it shows that such discourse has truly begun. The current issue that is important and the next step that must be taken is for organizations, groups, and other individuals who are working towards improving the situation of the people in this country, to come together in unity, friendship, cooperation, and consultation, both from outside and inside of Iran, to help improve and progress Iran.

Do you, as representatives of the Bahai community in the international community, take advantage of opportunities to speak out against human rights violations and issues faced by other victimized groups in Iran, or do you solely focus on the issues and problems within the Bahai community?

Dian Alaii:

No one can work on human rights violations in Iran without talking about the general issues. There are various issues in Iran that need to be discussed. Of course, each group has its own expertise and can talk about specific details because they have more information in that field. With this comprehensive explanation, the global Baha’i community, of course, talks about human rights violations in Iran in general and, for example, about the violation of religious freedom and all religious minorities. But when it comes to details and individual cases, they can only speak about those that they have complete information on, namely the situation of Baha’is, in a documented manner.

Simin Fahandj:

The global Baha’i community participates in the United Nations General Assembly and various meetings of the Human Rights Council, discussing the rights of Baha’is in Iran. However, if possible and necessary, it also speaks about the situation of other groups in Iran in these meetings or elsewhere. As I mentioned, it is not only Baha’is who are subjected to oppression and persecution in Iran, but the rights of other religious minorities such as Christians and Jews, as well as political minorities, are also violated. Although the oppression against Baha’is has been ongoing for 30 years, it is systematic and planned.

We wish to one day see an Iranian where everyone, regardless of their beliefs, can live in this country with peace and friendship.

What is your letter addressed to members and colleagues of the group of activists after 10 years of activity?

Dian Alaii:

I think that this comprehensive and general information about human rights violations and showing that we can all work together and show compassion, and be concerned about the situation of those who may not share our beliefs and religion, is a key and very important issue in relation to the activities of activists in this decade. As we mentioned at the beginning, this issue contributes to the further progress of Iranian society and ensuring a bright future for this country. In fact, it should be said that these activists have no discrimination in their work and are concerned about the situation of everyone.

Simin Fahandj:

My letter is that we know that working in the field of human rights is not an easy task and for this reason we are grateful to them. We are also grateful for the awareness and all the efforts they have made over the past 10 years and we hope that these activities will continue.

Thank you to both of you dear ones for giving us your time.

“این عکس یک منظره زیبا از کوهستان است که در آن آسمان آبی و ابرهای سفید به خوبی قرار گرفته‌اند.”

“This photo is a beautiful landscape of a mountain where the blue sky and white clouds are perfectly placed.”

Pictures of the meetings of the Committee for the Right to Education Activists – 1388 – Photo from the archive of the Human Rights Activists in Iran.