Official Statement Regarding the Need for International Accountability Concerning Political and Social Double Standards and Their Consequences for the People of Iran
Subject: Request for review and accountability by the United Nations and international judicial authorities regarding individuals and legal entities accused of political and social double standards towards the people of Iran
We call upon the United Nations, independent human rights institutions, and international judicial authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent review of the actions of individuals and legal entities whose political, social, and international conduct over recent decades has, in our view, contributed to harm against the interests, security, social stability, and fundamental rights of the people of Iran.
The fundamental principle behind this request is that no government, organisation, media institution, political movement, or influential individual should be exempt from accountability under international standards, and that human rights principles must be applied equally, without discrimination and without being influenced by political interests.
The European Union and allegations of political double standards towards Iran
The European Union has faced serious criticism regarding what many consider to be a double-standard approach towards Iran and the Iranian people.
On the one hand, the European Union has publicly and politically engaged with groups such as the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI / Mujahedin-e Khalq) and has provided platforms for political activities by this organisation in certain official and public forums. At the same time, a significant part of Iranian society strongly disputes the history, actions, and political role of this organisation, considering it to have a controversial record, including allegations of violent activities.
On the other hand, European political structures have maintained direct and indirect economic, political, and commercial relations over decades with actors and structures connected to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including economic agreements and commercial interests in sectors such as energy and oil.
From this perspective, such behaviour represents a contradiction: publicly promoting human rights principles while simultaneously pursuing economic and political interests through engagement with actors criticised for human rights concerns.
Therefore, we request an independent examination into whether political and economic interests have resulted in selective application of human rights principles.
Euronews and concerns regarding the role of media in escalating political tensions
International media organisations have a significant responsibility in shaping public understanding and should operate according to principles of accuracy, independence, professional integrity, and social responsibility.
Concerns have been raised regarding the international news organisation Euronews, including allegations that certain headlines, reports, and political coverage have contributed to encouraging confrontational approaches, increasing tensions, or influencing political developments beyond the boundaries of independent journalism.
Further concerns have also been expressed regarding perceived political influence and involvement in internal affairs of different countries, including the United Kingdom.
It is therefore requested that the role of international media organisations in shaping political environments, influencing social movements, and potentially contributing to the escalation of conflicts be subject to independent review.
Reza Pahlavi and allegations concerning encouragement of violence and foreign intervention
Regarding Reza Pahlavi, concerns and criticism have been expressed by sections of Iranian society regarding certain political positions and statements attributed to him.
Among these concerns are allegations that he has encouraged street confrontation rather than peaceful civic activity, as well as the circulation of publicly available footage and statements which some observers interpret as encouraging confrontation and street violence.
There have also been repeated criticisms regarding statements perceived as supporting foreign military action or external intervention against Iran.
From this perspective, any individual or political movement seeking legitimacy and influence in Iran’s future must be held accountable for the potential consequences of its positions, as political violence, internal conflict, and foreign military intervention can result in severe harm to civilians, young people, and families.
It is therefore requested that any credible allegations regarding direct or indirect encouragement of violence, or support for actions causing civilian harm, be examined through impartial legal processes without political bias.
The policies of the United States and Israel and the humanitarian consequences of external pressure
Serious concerns also exist regarding the policies of the political systems of the United States of America and Israel towards Iran, particularly regarding increased political, economic, and military pressure and the continued presence of threats of war.
According to critics of these policies, such actions, alongside statements regarding negotiation and diplomacy, have contributed to strengthening extremist and war-oriented political forces in the region while negatively affecting the daily lives of ordinary Iranian citizens.
Economic sanctions, external pressure, and military threats may contribute to:
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weakening the national economy;
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reducing public welfare;
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damaging national resources and assets;
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increasing pressure on ordinary citizens;
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and restricting opportunities for peaceful civic and social participation.
On this basis, it is requested that the humanitarian consequences of such policies, like any other actions affecting civilian populations, be examined under international human rights standards.
Final request for equal justice and accountability
We emphasise that human rights must not become a selective political instrument used to pressure certain countries while ignoring the actions of others.
Any individual, organisation, or government that contributes to violence, instability, harm to civilians, or violations of fundamental human principles should be subject to review and accountability, regardless of its political power, economic influence, or international position.
The people of Iran have the right to security, independence, a dignified life, economic stability, and a future free from war and political violence.
This statement calls for the principles of international justice to be applied equally, independently, and without discrimination to all parties.
The People's Voice of PERSIA