**Report on the UK Parliament Meeting Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Iran**

Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Location: UK Parliament, Westminster

Organizer: The Iranian Academics in Exile Association

Attendees: UK Members of Parliament, members of the Iranian Academics in Exile Association, professors, lawyers, and other supporters of Iranian human rights.

The Iranian Academics in Exile Association organized a session in the British Parliament to express solidarity with the Iranian people's ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms. This meeting brought together UK MPs, academics, and members of the legal community to advocate for increased international pressure on the Iranian regime in response to escalating state repression.

Introduction

On 15th October 2024, the UK Parliament convened a significant meeting focusing on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Iran, specifically the regime’s increasing use of executions and severe human rights abuses. The discussions featured statements from various MPs and peers, including Siavosh Rajabi, Baroness Meacher, Lord Whitty, Lord Bruce of Bennachie, David Pinto-Duschinsky, Lord Desai, and Charlotte Cane MP. Each speaker provided valuable perspectives, underscoring the urgency of international support for the Iranian people in their struggle for justice and democracy.

Key Points of Discussion

Siavosh Rajabi: Escalating Executions and Repression in Iran

Siavosh Rajabi opened the meeting with a detailed overview of the alarming increase in executions under Iran’s current regime. He reported over 500 executions since August 2024, with 267 occurring during the current Prime Minister's term. Rajabi described the regime’s systematic use of capital punishment as a method of political control, targeting dissenters and opposition groups. He highlighted the severe plight of political prisoners, including two elite pro-People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) students and seven affiliated unit members who currently face death sentences.

Rajabi linked Iran’s internal repression with its destabilizing actions across the Middle East, emphasizing that conflicts in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Iraq serve to distract from the regime’s domestic human rights abuses. He urged the UK and other international actors to impose sanctions, suspend diplomatic relations, and support Iranian opposition groups like the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. He praised Rajavi’s ten-point plan, envisioning a future for Iran based on democracy and freedom.

 Baroness Meacher: Advocacy for Iranian Political Prisoners

Baroness Meacher acknowledged the bravery of Iranian political prisoners who have drawn attention to the regime’s mass executions through hunger strikes and peaceful protest. She condemned the regime’s cruel treatment of prisoners, including the use of solitary confinement and denial of family visits, highlighting the brutality faced by dissidents.

Meacher also expressed frustration at the lack of jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court over Iran, which limits accountability. She lauded UN Special Rapporteur Javid Rahman for his dedication in documenting Iran’s systematic human rights abuses, underscoring Rahman’s July 2022 report as a foundational step toward future accountability.

Lord Whitty: Labour’s Call for Action on Human Rights

Lord Whitty, a long-serving Labour peer known for his work on social justice, consumer protection, and environmental issues, joined the calls for international accountability. Although primarily focused on domestic advocacy, Whitty emphasized the need for a collaborative international response to the humanitarian abuses in Iran, advocating for diplomatic measures that would signal the UK’s firm stance against Iran’s human rights violations.

 Lord Bruce of Bennachie: Liberal Democrat’s Support for Economic and Diplomatic Pressure

Lord Bruce of Bennachie, known for his extensive work on international development and trade relations with developing countries, supported the economic and diplomatic measures suggested by other speakers. He highlighted the need to address Iran’s internal repression and its regional destabilizing activities through diplomatic channels and sanctions, aiming to weaken the regime’s hold on power while promoting regional stability.

David Pinto-Duschinsky: Labour’s Push for Democratic Reforms

Labour MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, who focuses on education, democracy, and constitutional reforms, emphasized the importance of democratic values in addressing Iran’s crisis. He called for support of opposition groups within Iran that advocate for democratic reforms and constitutional rights, framing Iran’s internal strife as a violation of universal democratic principles that the UK and international community must actively oppose.

Lord Desai: Economic Perspectives on Iran

Lord Desai, an economist and former professor at the London School of Economics, offered insights into the economic consequences of Iran’s authoritarian policies, particularly its impact on global trade and development economics. He underscored the regime’s economic mismanagement as a root cause of widespread poverty and suffering within Iran, calling for targeted economic sanctions as an effective tool to press the Iranian regime toward reform.

Charlotte Cane MP: A Local Approach to Global Human Rights Issues

Charlotte Cane MP, a Liberal Democrat with a background in community development, housing, and environmental sustainability, echoed the humanitarian concerns raised by her peers. Drawing from her experience as a local councillor, she highlighted the importance of engaging the Iranian community in the UK and abroad, underscoring the role of grassroots support and community involvement in bolstering the Iranian people’s struggle for justice.

Jon Pearce MP and Neda Zabeti

Jon Pearce MP, along with Neda Zabeti, a representative of Anglo-Iranian students and a law student, also voiced their support. Zabeti presented a unique perspective, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Iranian students in exile and advocating for increased international support for young Iranians striving for a democratic future.

Tom Gordon MP: I didn’t anticipate human rights would be a core focus, but here we are. Standing up for #HumanRights abuses, whether in Iran or elsewhere, is something I believe MPs must do, regardless of party. The #BBC World Service’s role in reporting these issues is crucial.

Mousa Zahed: Supporting Iranian Civil Society

Mousa Zahed, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum for Development, stressed the necessity of supporting Iran’s civil society. He emphasized that Iranian citizens in exile, especially students, face significant challenges and urged UK-based organizations to offer assistance. He reiterated the importance of amplifying Iranian voices in international platforms, ensuring that the plight of the Iranian people remains at the forefront of global discussions on human rights.

Dr. Elahe Zabihi calls for urgent global action on Iran's #HumanRights crisis. 860+ executions in 2023 alone signal repression, with many without fair trials. Leaders worldwide are uniting in the #NoToExecutions movement, demanding accountability & justice for #Iranian people.

Azadeh Zabeti: Honoured to speak on Iran’s #HumanRights crisis. Despite global efforts, abuses continue daily, 45 years after the revolution. Time for accountability, sanctions, and support for democratic opposition. Iran’s people deserve freedom and justice. #Iran #HumanRights

Summary and Call to Action

The meeting highlighted a consensus among speakers on the following actions:

1. Imposing Sanctions and Diplomatic Measures: Broad support emerged for intensifying sanctions and reviewing diplomatic relations with Iran to pressure the regime on human rights.

2. Supporting Iranian Opposition Groups: There was unanimous backing for supporting groups like NCRI and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, who advocate for democratic reforms within Iran.

3. Leveraging Economic and Legal Tools: Economists and legal experts called for sanctions and exploring international legal channels to hold Iran accountable for its systematic human rights abuses.

4. Encouraging Grassroots and Community Support: Calls were made to foster community support within the UK for Iranian citizens in exile and to amplify voices from Iranian civil society.

Conclusion

The UK Parliament’s meeting demonstrated unified condemnation of Iran’s escalating human rights abuses and its oppressive practices against political dissidents. Through increased international pressure, support for opposition movements, and legal accountability, the UK and its allies can stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for a future rooted in justice, dignity, and democratic governance. The collective actions discussed are steps toward ensuring that Iran’s citizens are afforded the fundamental rights they deserve, free from fear and oppression.