Nobel Women's Initiative

To mark the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, Shirin Ebadi is calling upon the international community to help end the political crisis and mounting repression in Iran. In an open letter to the Honourable Madam Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) she outlines the mounting human rights abuses and calls for immediate action by the UN.

The people of Iran are continuing to resist and insist on the realization of their just demands for democracy and human rights by demonstrating their political maturity through peaceful protests. -- Shirin Ebadi

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Supporting Ebadi's appeals are Elie Weisel and dozens of other Nobel Laureates in an open letter to world leaders. "In the name of conscience and honor, we appeal to the leaders of the international community to do what is needed to help these courageous fighters who risk their lives standing up to their government's immoral, inhuman and illegal official policy". 

Today in Iran, protests and demonstrations are underway, marking the anniversary of the nation's revolution. The Iranian government has always called upon its citizens to demonstrate in favour of the Islamic Republic. Now anti-government groups are taking the opportunity to express their objections to the oppressive regime as well. These peaceful protests are being met with a brutal response as the government continues to crackdown on any political dissent. Security forces are firing on crowds, pepper-spraying and beating demonstrators and using any means possible to prevent protestors from gathering.

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TAKE ACTION

Read Shirin Ebadi's letter to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Read Elie Weisel and fellow Laureates' letter to world leaders.

LEARN MORE

Nobel winner: Stop Iran catastrophe, Al Jazeera, 11 February 2010.

Iran marks anniversary, CNN, 11 February 2010.

Iran's Ebadi presses for UN rights stand on Iran, AFP, 11 February 2010.

Shirin Ebadi, Iranian Nobel Prize winner, backs fresh street protests in Iran, The Telegraph, 6 February 2010.