On February 20th, the Iranian Youth Association in the UK hosted a conference at the British Parliament titled “Women and Youth: Pioneers of Democratic Change in Iran.” The event brought together politicians, MPs, and Iranian youth residing in the UK, all united in their desire for a more democratic Iran.
Speakers emphasized the importance of grassroots movements and urged global recognition of Iranians’ right to self-defense against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They called for the UK government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Rana Rahmanifard, the head of the Iranian Youth Association and the conference organizer, expressed support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its Ten-Point Plan, which outlines a vision for a democratic Iran. She demanded the prohibition and listing of the IRGC on the UK’s blacklist.
Politicians present, including Mr. Martyn Day, Mr. Jim Shannon, and Mr. Roger Lyons, condemned the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, including the suppression of women, workers, and artists. They voiced their support for listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom.
Azadeh Zabeti, representing Iranian lawyers in the UK, demanded justice for victims of the regime and support for the NCRI and its Ten-Point Plan. Mohammad Soleimani, representing Iranian artists, highlighted the regime’s long-standing repression and the ongoing fight for justice within Iran.
International solidarity was also present, with Volodymyr Skuratovich, representing Ukrainian youth, condemning the Iranian regime’s interference in Ukraine and highlighting the potential for democratic change in Iran to contribute to regional peace.
Iranian individuals shared personal experiences and emphasized their unwavering commitment to fighting for freedom and human rights in their homeland. Melissa Tavakoli, representing Iranian women, brought attention to their untold stories and called for action against the regime’s atrocities.
The conference concluded with a powerful message of unity, calling for global support for the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom and democracy.
