Feb 26, 2025
Toronto- The Association for the Defence of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners in Iran (ADAPP) strongly condemns the Iranian parliament’s disgraceful decision to reject even the most basic recognition of non-Persian languages in the education system. The proposal was not even for full education in mother tongues, but merely a course to teach these languages—yet the regime refuses to grant even this minimal right to millions of Azerbaijani Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Baloch, Turkmen, and other non-Persian nations in Iran.
This rejection is a clear indication that the Iranian state is committed to erasing linguistic and cultural diversity. It exposes the hypocrisy of the regime, which falsely claims to respect minority rights while actively working to suppress them. Even Iran’s own Constitution, under Article 15, theoretically allows for the teaching of non-Persian languages, yet the regime continues to violate its own laws, let alone international conventions on linguistic and cultural rights.
This decision is not just an attack on language; it is an attack on identity, history, and the dignity of millions. The Iranian government must understand that forced assimilation will not lead to national unity—it will only fuel further resistance against its oppressive policies.
We call on international human rights organizations, the UN, and democratic governments to take a firm stance against Iran’s systemic discrimination. The Iranian state must be held accountable for its blatant suppression of non-Persian cultures and languages.
Association for the Defence of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners in Iran (ADAPP)
