Hi John,
After weeks of nationwide protests in Iran, authorities continue to use lethal force against innocent Iranians—including teenagers and children—who are bravely asserting their rights and resisting the repression of the Islamic Republic. On October 15th, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRNA) reported that Iranian authorities have killed 233 since protests erupted on September 17th [[link removed]] after the murder of Mahsa (Jhina) Amini, although that number is likely higher. At least 32 of those people were younger than 18. This is an atrocity that demands accountability.
That’s why we are supporting Amnesty International and other credible human rights organizations in their calls for the UN Human Rights Council to hold a special session and establish an independent mechanism to address the Iranian government’s criminal brutality and human rights violations under international law. NIAC is working to urge the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress to support this important diplomatic initiative.
TAKE ACTION [[link removed]]
It's important that our own democratically-elected government hears our community's voice and supports multilateral efforts to stop the bloodshed and hold Iranian authorities accountable. We know this because we’ve done it before. In 2011, NIAC successfully led a campaign to secure Senate and ultimately the Obama administration’s support to establish an independent human rights monitor at the UN [[link removed]] . Now, NIAC and our community must utilize our organizing and advocacy know-how to exhaust all diplomatic options available to stop the repression of women-led protests and protect the rights of the Iranian people.
Take action now: Send a message to Congress and the Biden administration to work at the UN to increase multilateral pressure and accountability to stop the Iranian government’s atrocities. [[link removed]]
TAKE ACTION NOW [[link removed]] In solidarity,
Donna Farvard
National Organizing Director, NIAC Action