{"id":327305,"date":"2025-01-03T15:16:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=327305"},"modified":"2025-01-03T15:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:16:26","slug":"sydney-hosts-conference-on-irans-dire-human-rights-situation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/human-rights\/sydney-hosts-conference-on-irans-dire-human-rights-situation\/","title":{"rendered":"Sydney Hosts Conference on Iran\u2019s Dire Human Rights Situation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By late December 2024, a significant conference addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran was held in Sydney, Australia, organized by the Edmund Rice Centre. The event brought together Australian public figures, representatives of the Iranian-Australian community, and human rights advocates to highlight the repression under Iran’s clerical regime and the growing resistance against it.<\/p>\n

Corinne Fagueret<\/strong>, senior director for social justice and climate change at the Edmund Rice Centre, opened the conference with remarks emphasizing the global importance of fighting for human rights. “Human rights advocacy often comes with significant risks and costs,” she noted, calling those who take up this challenge heroes, including those in Iran\u2019s democratic movement risking their lives for freedom and justice.<\/p>\n

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Mohammad Sadeghpour,<\/strong> head of the Association for Human Rights and Freedom in Iran, condemned the regime\u2019s oppressive actions, including the rise in executions under Masoud Pezeshkian\u2019s presidency. Despite this, he expressed hope for Iran\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

“There is a vision for justice, freedom, and equality in Iran. Mrs Maryam Rajavi\u2019s Ten-Point<\/a> Plan outlines a clear path to a democratic Iran. We must stand together to support this vision and call on the international community to recognize and back the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and justice.”<\/p>\n

Alopi Latukefu<\/strong>, director of the Edmund Rice Centre, commended the bravery of Iranian women in their fight against systemic oppression and discrimination. He observed that major changes are taking place within Iran and across the region, emphasizing that developments such as the collapse of the Syrian government could have profound implications for Iran and its citizens. Latukefu reiterated the commitment of the Edmund Rice Centre to supporting efforts for human rights and justice, both in Iran and around the world.<\/p>\n

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Elham Zanjani<\/strong>, a member of the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran<\/a> (PMOI\/MEK) Central Council, addressed the conference virtually, recounting the long history of Iranian Resistance against dictatorship. She condemned the regime’s recent wave of executions and intensified crackdowns on women while emphasizing the unyielding spirit of Iran\u2019s resistance: “Despite imprisonment, executions, and the highest levels of repression, the resistance in Iran is growing. Resistance Units<\/a> are expanding, facing the regime\u2019s threats daily. The regime\u2019s hostile reactions show its fear of this flourishing movement. Nothing will deter us from achieving our rightful goal of bringing freedom to Iran and changing this regime.”<\/p>\n

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Zanjani also stressed the need to end appeasement policies towards the regime: “It is time to stop engaging with this savage regime and recognize the Iranian Resistance as the real solution to the regime\u2019s tyranny.”<\/p>\n

Isabella Antonio<\/strong>, a mayor from the Greens Party, emphasized the importance of the continued struggle for freedom, highlighting that it demands persistent effort and vigilance. She stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard the progress made so far and to remain committed to pursuing justice relentlessly.<\/p>\n

Reverend Bill Crews<\/strong>, founder of the Bill Crews Foundation, expressed hope for change in Iran, acknowledging the suffering its people have endured and the potential for transformation.<\/p>\n

Dr. Ali Zahedi<\/strong>, representing the Iranian-Australian community, concluded the event by denouncing the international policy of appeasement towards the Iranian regime. “We call on the international community to recognize the Iranian people\u2019s right to resist, protest, and fight for freedom. The regime\u2019s leaders must be held accountable for their crimes against the people of Iran.”<\/p>\n

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The brutal criminal regime in Iran has executed 500 citizens including 31 women so far this year.
Speaking at a rally calling for change.
God bless the people of Iran and bring peace and regime change to the whole region. pic.twitter.com\/FPJ01j1jFT<\/a><\/p>\n

— Rev. Bill Crews AM (@RevBillCrews) October 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n