Arcdh Arc – Association for Human Rights of Azerbaijanis of Iran "ArcDH"
Geneva, March 27, 2025 – During the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Jale Tabrizi, director of the Azerbaijan Human Rights Society of Iran (*ARCDH*), addressed the ongoing racial discrimination against Azerbaijani Turks in Iran.
In her speech, Tabrizi highlighted the systematic exclusion of Azerbaijani Turks from economic, social, and political spheres, emphasizing that non-discrimination and equality are fundamental human rights principles enshrined in international treaties.
She condemned the arbitrary imprisonment of civil rights activists advocating for environmental justice, education in their mother tongue, and basic freedoms. Furthermore, she raised concerns over the exploitation of Azerbaijan’s gold mines, which benefits foreign entities while local communities suffer from water and electricity shortages.
Tabrizi urged the United Nations to fully integrate minority rights into its policy frameworks. She also called on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to monitor Iran’s compliance with its 2024 recommendations.
Finally, she denounced rising ethnic tensions in Azerbaijan, attributing them to Iranian authorities’ divisive policies in West Azerbaijan Province. She demanded an immediate end to the intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests of Azerbaijani Turks.