In a remarkable conference at the British Parliament, the Iranian Youth Association in England orchestrated a profound event on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Themed “Women and Youth: Pioneers of Democratic Change in Iran,” the conference garnered the attention of esteemed political figures, distinguished Members of Parliament, and a multitude of vibrant young Iranians residing in England.
Central to the discourse was the pivotal role of women and youth in the pursuit of a democratic republic within Iran. Against the backdrop of burgeoning aspirations for societal transformation, speakers eloquently underscored the imperative of recognizing the agency wielded by these demographic cohorts. Their impassioned pleas resonated throughout the chambers, compelling attendees to acknowledge the indispensable contributions of women and youth to the trajectory of democratic evolution within Iran.
Among the resonant calls to action was the fervent appeal for global acknowledgment of the Resistance Units‘ inherent right to self-defense. Furthermore, a resounding consensus reverberated throughout the conference, advocating for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. Such a designation, proponents argued, would not only safeguard national security but also serve as a staunch affirmation of commitment to combating extremism and fostering peace.
Iranian youth in the UK, in a parliamentary conference, emphasized women and youth's roles in seeking a democratic republic. Speakers urged global recognition of insurgent centers' right to self-defense and called for the UK to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity. pic.twitter.com/4EZuQANWDJ
— Academics In Exile (@iranianacademic) February 21, 2024
Rana Rahmanifard, the head of the Iranian Youth Association and the conference’s organizer, stressed their support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi‘s Ten-Point Plan. She advocated for democratic ideals for the Iranian people and demanded the prohibition and listing of the IRGC on the UK blacklist.
Mr. Martyn Day, the spokesperson for the Scottish National Party in the UK Parliament, underscored the constructive role of youth in shaping Iran’s future. He supported the recognition of the right to self-defense for the PMOI-let Resistance Units and the listing of the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
Mr. Jim Shannon, a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Unionist Party, highlighted the oppression of women in Iran under the regime, condemning the regime’s warmongering policies and support for proxy militias.
Mr. Roger Lyons, former leader of the Trades Union Congress, condemned the suppression of workers’ strikes and the ban on forming labor unions in Iran, expressing solidarity with the bipartisan support for sanctioning the IRGC and expressed criticism at its delay by the UK government.
Azadeh Zabeti, the chair of the Iranian Lawyers’ Committee in the UK, demanded justice for the victims of the regime’s atrocities, calling for the recognition of self-defense rights for Resistance Units and support for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.
Mohammad Soleimani, representing the Iranian Artists’ Youth Association in the UK, recounted four decades of regime repression, particularly against young artists. He emphasized the significance of the struggle for justice and accountability inside Iran that has continued for many generations.
Volodymyr Skuratovich, representing Ukrainian youth, condemned the regime’s intervention in Ukraine and highlighted the potential of democratic change in Iran for regional peace.
Dr. Ehsan Zabihi, a dentist and member of the Iranian Youth Association in the UK, shared personal experiences of migration and expressed his determination to fight for freedom and human rights in Iran.
Omid Ebrahimi, another speaker at the session, expressed that each individual present had a story linked to the struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran. He recounted that five of his family members had been killed by the regime in Iran, which motivated him to continue his involvement. He affirmed support for the Resistance in Iran, driven by its values and objectives, steadfast in its pursuit of freedom for the Iranian people.
Melissa Tavakoli, a member of the Iranian Youth Association in the UK, emphasized the untold stories of Iranian women and called for action against the regime’s atrocities, including listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
The message of this conference echoed in the UK Parliament, highlighting that Iranian youth in the United Kingdom stand as fervent advocates for substantive change. Their voices, emboldened by unity and fortified by conviction, herald a clarion call for a brighter, more democratic future for Iran.
