“Iranian Government’s Discrimination Against Azerbaijanis, Child Marriage, and Denial of Education”

During the UN 57th of Human Rights Council, Ms. J Tabrizi, Director of Association for Human Rights of Azerbaijanis of Iran , highlighted significant issues affecting millions of students and communities in Iran.

Official statistics reveal that 17 million students will be returning to school. However, more than 70% of them will not have the right to study in their mother tongue. This is a blatant discrimination against the children of minority nations and a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

ArcDH;emphasized that, according to studies, 50% of the Iranian population lives in absolute poverty. Children in rural areas, particularly in Azerbaijan and other minority nation and regions, are especially affected. This poverty is the result of poor economic management and corruption.

For 45 years, Azerbaijani Turks have faced discrimination. This marginalization extends beyond economic and social spheres and even affects the environment. Eastern Azerbaijan is home to 92% of the country’s mining activities, but the region does not benefit from any share of the generated revenues. Instead, it suffers from the harmful effects of toxic and hazardous substances coming from these mining activities, leading to alarming cancer rates and the gradual destruction of the environment.

In conclusion, ArcDh;on the Iranian government to build hygienic and safe schools in rural areas of Azerbaijan. She also demanded education in the mother tongue in Azerbaijan, underscoring the urgent need for change and support for these marginalized communities.