61st Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 5: General Debate
Oral statement of the Zagros Human Rights Center
Delivered by: Ms. Anja OKSALAMPI
Mr. President,
The report of the High Commissioner on the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities confirms that minorities continue to face structural discrimination, persistent marginalization, and restrictions on their fundamental rights. It also recalls that their full, equal, and effective participation in public life remains insufficient.
In Iran, this reality is particularly concerning. Kurds, Baluchis, Arabs, and other nations face discrimination in access to employment, education, resources, as well as cultural and linguistic rights.
In the current context, marked by increased tensions, these inequalities are accompanied by a shrinking civic space, targeted arrests, and restrictions on freedom of expression and participation.
It is essential to strengthen the implementation of the recommendations arising from these mechanisms.
The Zagros Center calls on the international community to support concrete measures in favor of equality and the rights of non-Persian nations in Iran.
Thank you.