15.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Kurdish women's rights activist Zeynab Bayzeydi sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, and internal exile ("Further Information on Urgent Action 214/08 (MDE 13/107/2008, 1 August 2008) [MDE 13/116/2008]") [ID 25121]

Document(s): Open document

01.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Mahabad: Kurdish human rights activist Saman Rasoulpour was arrested and is in danger of torture; he is a senior member of the Human Rights Organisation of Kurdisan that campaigns for better treatment of Iran's Kurdish minority ("Urgent Action 213/08 [MDE 13/106/2008]") [ID 25105]

Document(s): Open document

30.07.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on human rights abuses against the Kurdish minority (Kurdish community and opposition groups, discrimination, women and girls, human rights defenders, media workers, security forces, death penalty and unfair trials) ("Iran: Human rights abuses against the Kurdish minority [MDE 13/088/2008]") [ID 25094]

"Kurds in Iran have long suffered deep-rooted discrimination. Their social, political and cultural rights have been repressed, as have their economic aspirations. Kurdish regions have been economically neglected, resulting in entrenched poverty. Forced evictions and destruction of homes have left Kurds with restricted access to adequate housing. Parents are banned from registering their babies with certain Kurdish names. The use of the Kurdish language in education is frequently thwarted. Religious minorities that are mainly or partially Kurdish are targeted by measures designed to stigmatize and isolate them.

The discriminatory gozinesh system – a selection procedure that requires prospective state officials and employees to demonstrate allegiance to Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran – denies Kurds equality in employment and political participation.

The Iranian authorities do allow the Kurdish language to be used in certain broadcasts and some publications. Expressions of Kurdish culture, such as dress and music, are respected.

However, when Kurdish rights activists link their human rights work – drawing attention to the government’s failure to observe international human rights standards - to their Kurdish identity they risk further violations of their rights. [...] Kurdish human rights defenders, community activists and journalists face arbitrary arrest and prosecution. [...] Others suffer torture, grossly unfair trials before Revolutionary Courts and the death penalty.

Iran’s Kurds, most of whom are Sunni Muslims, face discrimination because of their religion, even though Sunni Islam is recognized and accorded formal legal standing in Iran. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

24.06.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Mohammad Sadigh Kaboudvand, journalist and member of Iran's Kurdish minority, sentenced to 11 years in prison after creating a human rights association for the Kurds; Saeed Matinpour, a journalist writing for a weekly newspaper in Azeri language, sentenced to 8 years in prison ("Two Iranian journalists handed heavy jail terms") [ID 24881]

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2008 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Repression of defenders who are journalists from minority groups, especially Kurds ("Steadfast in Protest; Annual Report 2007"), Author: The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders [ID 24849]

See page 201 - 203

"At the end of 2007, many journalists who promote minority rights in the framework of their activities remained in prison, including four Kurdish journalists who defend human rights: Mr. Mohammad Sadegh Kaboudvand, Chairperson of Voice of the People of Kurdistan, a newspaper that defends the rights of Kurds, was detained awaiting trial; Mr. Ejlal Ghavami, from the same newspaper, was given a three year prison sentence in June 2007; Mr. Abdolvahed Boutimar and Mr. Adnan Hassanpour, two Kurdish journalists, were given death sentences in July 2007 in response to their articles demanding cultural rights for the Kurdish minority."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Forces of the PJAK attacking Iranian forces are believed to hide in Northern Iraq; numerous Kurds in Iran were arrested, accused of membership of, or contact with the PJAK-party ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23481]

"Members of the Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (Partiya Jiyana Azadîya Kurdistanê, PJAK) attacked Iranian forces, who shelled parts of northern Iraq where they believed PJAK forces were hiding. Numerous Kurds were arrested, many accused of membership of, or contact with, proscribed groups."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Kurdish student Farshad Dousipour was arrested by plainclothes Revolutionary Guards officers; it is not known where he was taken, and he is at risk of torture ("Urgent Action 138/08 [MDE 13/073/2008]") [ID 24702]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination against Kurds ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23198]

"In general the government did not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, or social status; however, it did discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, and ethnicity. It consistently denied minorities their constitutional right to study and use their language in schools, particularly Kurds, Azeris, and Ahvazi Arabs. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Despite equality under public law minority groups are not always allowed to use their respective language in schools ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23322]

"The constitution grants equal rights to all ethnic minorities and allows for minority languages to be used in the media and schools. [...]

In practice, however, the government did not always permit minority groups, such as Azeris, Kurds, and Ahvazi Arabs, to use their respective languages in schools."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Political and economic discrimination of ethnic minorities: Clashes between Kurds and the police in 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23324]

"[...] Few minority groups called for separatism but instead complained of political and economic discrimination. [...]

[...] In 2005 the UNSR for Adequate Housing reported that ethnic and religious minorities, nomadic groups, and women faced discrimination in housing and land rights, compounded by the rising cost of housing. [...]

In March 2006 Kurds clashed with police, reportedly resulting in three deaths and over 250 arrests. There were also clashes in June 2005, and there were strikes and demonstrations in July and August 2005 following the killing of a Kurdish activist by security forces. According to HRW and other sources, security forces killed at least 17 persons and wounded and arrested large numbers of others."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Discrimination of Kurds in Iran (2007) ("World Report 2008") [ID 22520]

"In the northwestern provinces of Azarbaijan and Kurdistan the government restricts cultural and political activities that stress local languages and identities. The government harassed editors of Kurdish newspapers on the grounds that their coverage of events in Iraqi Kurdistan was aimed at instigating separatist ambitions among Iranian Kurds. The authorities similarly persecuted local newspapers in the provinces of East and West Azarbaijan that covered events in the neighboring country Azerbaijan."

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest ("Year ends badly for press, with Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest") [ID 22160]

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest ("Year ends badly for press, with Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest") [ID 22237]

Document(s): Open document

16.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Two women's rights activists charged with taking part in "terrorist" actions and belonging to militant Kurdish separatist group, investigating judge says ("Two Iranian feminists charged with terrorism: judge"), Author: AFP [ID 22147]

Document(s): Open document

01.11.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Concerns for the health of Iranian Kurdish journalist Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, chairperson of the Human Rights Organization of Kurdistan (HROK); held in prison without charge ("Further Information on Urgent Action 171/07 (MDE 13/081/2007, 4 July 2007) and follow-up (MDE 13/091/2007, 19 July 2007) [MDE 13/127/2007]") [ID 21742]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Clashes between Kurds and the police in March and June 2005 reportedly resulting in 3 deaths and over 250 arrests; strikes and demonstrations in July and August 2005 following the killing of a Kurdish activist by security forces ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21109]

"In March Kurds clashed with police, reportedly resulting in three deaths and over 250 arrests. There were also clashes in June 2005, and there were strikes and demonstrations in July and August 2005, following the killing of a Kurdish activist by security forces. According to HRW and other sources, security forces killed at least 17 persons and wounded and arrested large numbers of others.

In 2005 the Majles' national security and foreign policy committee studied the unrest in Kurdistan, and its rapporteur told domestic media that one factor was the comparatively high level of economic development in Iraqi and Turkish Kurdish areas. The representative from Sanandaj, Kurdistan also cited the lack of Sunni cabinet members as a grievance. However, the results of a government inquiry were not made public."

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2007 - Source: Minority Rights Group International

Annual report on current situation of minorities ("State of the World's Minorities 2007") [ID 22398]

"Kurds, who are mostly Sunni Muslims, make up around 10 per cent of the Iranian population and are concentrated in the north-west, adjacent to the Kurdish populations of Iraq and Turkey.

The Iranian government has watched nervously over the course of 2006 as Iraqi Kurds have moved towards greater autonomy, fearing that its Kurds may seek to join an independent Kurdistan.

Iranian security forces shot a young Kurd in July 2005, sparking a round of confrontations with the Kurdish minority, and tensions remained palpable through 2006."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Arrests after clashes between security forces and Kurds ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18825]

"In June [2005], clashes between security forces and Kurds celebrating events in Iraq led to injuries to police officers and the arrest of dozens of demonstrators."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Protests after security forces shot dead Showaneh Qaderi, a Kurdish opposition activist; security forces reportedly killed up to 21 people ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18826]

"In July [2005], after Iranian security forces shot dead a Kurdish opposition activist, Showaneh Qaderi, and reportedly dragged his body through the streets behind a jeep, thousands of Kurds took to the streets to protest. Security forces reportedly killed up to 21 people, injured scores more and arrested at least 190."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

A ethnic Kurd killed after clashes with security forces ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18827]

"[...] In further clashes in October and November [2005], at least one person, Shoresh Amiri, was killed, several people were injured and others were arrested. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

A Kurdish women's right activist and 2 Kurdish journalists arrested, later released on bail; they face charges that can carry the death penalty ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18828]

"[...] Dr Roya Toloui, a women’s rights activist, and two journalists, Ajlal Qavami and Sa’id Sa’edi, were among the Kurds arrested in August [2005]. All were released on bail in October and were reported to be facing political charges that can carry the death penalty."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

2 Kurdish journalists and 2 Kurdish human rights activists detained and accused of acting against national security ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18595]

"In April [2005] two Kurdish journalists, Ejlal Qavami and Said Saedi, had a hearing in the revolutionary court on charges including undermining national security by calling for an election boycott, insulting the leadership, and portraying the system as ineffective. Between July 28 and August 2, authorities detained both again, along with two Kurdish human rights activists, Roya Tolui and Madeh Ahmadi. In October the public prosecutor in Sanandaj accused Qavami, Saedi, and Tolui of acting against national security and referred their cases to the revolutionary court. At year's end Ahmadi, Tolui, and Qavami were released on bail; Saedi's situation was unknown."

Document(s): Open document

12.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

4 Kurdish men, held in Oromiye prison, face imminent execution ("Iran - UA 235/05") [#36518],  [ID 8800]

Document(s): Open document

12.08.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Sanandaj: 3 journalists arrested at start of August for covering disturbances of past few weeks in Kurdish-dominated northwestern region, ordered to be kept in custody for 2 months ("Crackdown on journalists continues in Iran's Kurdish-dominated northwest") [#35314],  [ID 8801]

Document(s): Open document

11.08.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Kurdistan: At least 17 people killed and hundreds injured when security forces opened fire on demonstrators protesting killing of young Kurdish man; in addition, government forces arrested hundreds of people, including several leading human rights defenders and journalists ("Security Forces Kill Kurdish Protestors") [#35270],  [ID 8802]

Document(s): Open document

11.08.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Kurdistan: At least 17 people killed and hundreds injured when security forces opened fire on demonstrators protesting killing of young Kurdish man; in addition, government forces arrested hundreds of people, including several leading human rights defenders and journalists ("Security Forces Kill Kurdish Protestors") [#35270],  [ID 9042]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Kordestan and neighbouring Kurdish areas: 20 people killed, hundreds injured and hundreds others, including prominent Kurdish human rights defenders and activists, arrested during demonstrations sparked by death of Kurdish opposition activist in early July ("Amnesty International calls for an urgent investigation into the killing of demonstrators") [#35008],  [ID 8803]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Wave of harassment of Kurdish journalists by local authorities in Iranian Kurdistan, reported; daily Achti and weekly Asou closed at behest of ministry of culture and Islamic guidance ("Crackdown on Kurdish press following clashes in Kurdistan") [#35053],  [ID 8804]

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Religious minorities ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41317],  [ID 8805]

"[...]There are few laws that discriminate against ethnic minorities, who are permitted to establish community centers and certain cultural, social, sports, and charitable associations. However, Kurdish demands for more autonomy and a greater voice in the appointment of a regional governor have not been met, and some Kurdish opposition groups are brutally suppressed. The opposition Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI) alleged that two of its members were executed in December 2003. In June 2004, security forces reportedly arrested 80 ethnic Azeris for allegedly “spreading secessionist propaganda.”[...]"

Document(s): Open document

26.07.2005 - Source: BBC News

10 people reportedly killed when "hooligans" caused disorder in Kurdish town of Oshnavieh; unrest is seen as sign of frustration over denial of minority rights in Iran ("Iran press reports Kurdish riots") [#34526],  [ID 8806]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2005 - Source: Internationales Zentrum für die Menschenrechte der Kurden

Periodical press archive on the situation of Kurds ("Menschenrechtsinformationsdienst, Nr 244-245, 24. Juni 2005 – 25. Juli 2005") [#34969],  [ID 8807]

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Mahabad: 15 men, all members of Kurdish minority, reportedly detained without charge and are at risk of torture or ill-treatment; they were arrested after protests about killing of Sayed Kamal Astam ("Iran - UA 194/05") [#34423],  [ID 8808]

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Article on current situation of Kurds, their relations with central government and recent clashes ("Iran: Country Faces Agitated Kurdish Population") [#34475],  [ID 8809]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination of Kurds ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525],  [ID 8810]

"[...]The Kurds continued to suffer from government discrimination. Suspicions of Kurdish separatist or foreign sympathies have led to sporadic outbreaks of fighting between government forces and Kurdish groups. In recent years, greater Kurdish cultural expression has been allowed and Kurdish publications and broadcasting have expanded. However, there was still no public school education in the Kurdish language.

The KDPI claimed that the Government executed at least three Kurdish party members and activists during the year and four during 2003. According to KDPI, plainclothes vigilantes in five separate attacks killed seven more Kurds in 2003 (see Section 1.a.). Other activists reportedly were imprisoned. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination of ethnic minorities ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525],  [ID 8811]

"[...]In general, the Government did not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, language, or social status; however, it discriminated on the basis of religion, sex, and ethnicity. The poorest areas of the country are those inhabited by ethnic minorities, such as by the Baluchis in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, and by Arabs in the southwest. Much of the damage suffered by Khuzistan Province during the 8-year Iran-Iraq war has not been repaired; consequently, the quality of life of the largely Arab local population was degraded. Kurds, Azeris, and Ahvazi Arabs were not allowed to study their languages. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

25.02.2004 - Source: US Department of State

The Kurds sought greater autonomy from the central Government and continued to suffer from government discrimination ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003") [#19747],  [ID 8812]

"KPI reports that hard-line vigilante groups killed at least seven other Kurdish civilians were killed during the year. [...]

The KDPI noted the continued detention of six Iranian Kurds arrested in 1996 with no subsequent word on their whereabouts. [...]

In October, RSF reported that the Government closed the newspaper Avay-e Kordestan, marking the first time a Kurdish language newspaper was banned in the country. [...]

The population was approximately 99 percent Muslim, of which 89 percent were Shi'a and 10 percent Sunni (mostly Turkomans, Arabs, Baluchis, and Kurds). Baha'i, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Jewish communities constituted less than 1 percent of the population. [...]

In general the Government did not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, language, or social status; however, it discriminated on the basis of religion, sex, and ethnicity. Kurds, Azeris, and Ahwazi Arabs were not allowed to study their languages. [...]

The Kurds sought greater autonomy from the central Government and continued to suffer from government discrimination. Sunni Kurdish tensions with the Shi'a dominated government predate the 1979 revolution. Kurds often were suspected of harboring separatist or foreign sympathies. These suspicions have led to sporadic outbreaks of fighting between government forces and Kurdish groups. In recent years, greater Kurdish cultural expression has been allowed and Kurdish publications and broadcasting have expanded. However, there was still no public school education in the Kurdish language.

The KDPI claimed that the Government executed at least four Kurdish party members and activists during the year. According to KDPI, plainclothes vigilantes in five separate attacks killed seven more Kurds during the year (see Section 1.a.). Other activists were reported imprisoned."

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Kurdish Iranian woman currently detained in Ankara Police Headquarters, is in imminent danger of being forcibly returned to Iran, where she would be at risk of arbitrary detention, torture or ill-treatment due to her political activism ("Turkey - UA 276/03") [#16273],  [ID 8813]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

UK Home Office: The Islamic regime deals harshly with rebellious Kurdish leaders seeking autonomy; Iranian troops are permanently stationed in Kurdish areas ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556],  [ID 8815]

"5.104. The Kurds are believed to number about 6 million and live in the northwest of the country, principally in the province of Kurdistan, along the borders with Iraq and Turkey. The Islamic regime deals harshly with rebellious Kurdish leaders seeking autonomy - notably those of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) and the Marxist Komaleh - and their militant supporters. Iranian troops are permanently stationed in Kurdish areas and also monitor the activities of members of the Iraqi Kurdish Democratic Party in the areas. However, ethnic Kurds can be found in all walks of life in Iran both in the private and public economic sectors as well as in Iran's military and civilian establishments.

5.105. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims but there is a minority of Shi'i Muslim Kurds in Iran, primarily in the province of Kermanshah. While the Kurds in Iran traditionally had a nomadic component to their society, most have been settled due to government policy. The Kurds speak several dialects of the Kurdish language and are divided into many tribes.

5.106. The status of the Kurds in Iran remains basically unchanged since 1989. The KDPI and Komala are still engaged in a military campaign in an effort to gain regional autonomy, mostly using bases in the part of Iraq which is now the Kurdish autonomous zone."

Document(s): Open document

09.2002 -

University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Background Information ("00.09.2002 - University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Background Information") [ID 8816]

"Like their ethnic brethren in Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, the Kurds in Iran have the desire to unify with their kindred group (AUTGR200 = 3) or gain a level of regional autonomy with widespread powers (AUTGR400 = 1). Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims (CULDIFX4 = 2), but there is a minority of Shi'i Muslim Kurds in Iran, primarily in the western province of Kermanshah (GROUPCON = 3). The Kurds (CULDIFX1 = 2) speak several dialects of the Kurdish language (CULDIFX = 2) and are divided into many tribes. These tribal divisions and rivalries have often been an impediment to their struggle for autonomy.
These tribal divisions have led to the formation of several Kurdish political organizations, most notably the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI, currently in exile in Iraq) and the Revolutionary Organization of the Toilers of Kurdistan (Komala). Because Kurdish political parties are banned in Iran, these organizations remain highly militant, yet no acts of open rebellion were reported in the years 1999-2000 (REB99/00 = 0) -the most recent Kurdish uprising occurred after the Iranian Revolution in 1979-82). The largest recent Kurdish protest in Iran occurred when the government forcefully suppressed demonstrations by Kurds in the wake of the February 1999 arrest of PKK leader Abudullah Ocalan in Turkey. Security forces reportedly killed 20 persons and made several hundred arrests (PROT99 = 3; REP0299 = 1 and REP1999 = 1). In addition to this repressive action, Kurds in Iran have had to deal with the government’s restriction on their observance of Sunni Islam (CULPO196-00 = 2), as well as organizations that promote Kurdish cultural interests (CULPO796-00 = 3). These severe restrictions also take place in the realms of political organizing and the attainment of high office for Kurds (POLIC496-00 = 4; POLIC896-00 = 2).
The Kurds have a history of valuing their independence and have, whenever possible, resisted domination by outside powers and have occasionally managed to maintain autonomy in parts of the region in which they live. The last time they were able to maintain regional autonomy in Iran for any considerable period of time ended in the mid-19th century due to centralization policies by the Qajar Shahs. However, local tribal leaders continued to maintain armies. They had brief periods of independence from 1918-1922 and in 1946 and engaged in several other uprisings during times when the Iranian government was weak. They still hold grievances over their being denied the right of self determination when the imperialist powers were drawing the map of their region.
In 1979, most Kurds initially supported the Iranian revolution, with the primary exception of these tribal chiefs that were benefitting from the Shah's regime, in hope of gaining democracy and autonomy. However, when it became clear that the new government had no intention of giving the Kurds either democracy or autonomy, the Kurds rebelled against the government. This rebellion has been met with repression by the Iranian government. The Iran-Iraq war was used as an excuse by both sides to repress their own Kurds and support insurrection by their enemy's Kurds. Since this time, Iranian Kurdish rebels have been using Iraq, and later the Kurdish autonomous zone in Iraq as a base for their attacks.
There are two major Kurdish parties in Iran as well as many smaller ones, including Kurdish branches of other Iranian political parties. The Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) was first formed in 1945. It has maintained a constant policy of demanding democracy for Iran and autonomy for the Kurds. It has not demanded a separate state, perhaps because of the close historical and cultural ties between Iran and its Kurds. Most of its support comes from the urban middle class, intellectuals, merchants and government employees. Since 1981, it has formally been part of the Iranian National Resistance Council (a coalition of Iranian opposition groups based in Paris) and has militarily opposed the Iranian government. The Revolutionary Organization of the Toilers of Kurdistan (Komala) is the other major Kurdish party. While there are claims that is has existed as an underground organization since 1969, it first appeared publicly in 1983 as the Kurdish branch of the Communist Party of Iran. While it has often violently disagreed with the KDPI, the Komalah has supported the KDPI's stance for democracy and autonomy. No political party, other than Iran's ruling party, which itself was disbanded in 1987, is legal in Iran."

Document(s): 00.09.2002 - University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Background Information

09.2002 -

University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Risk Assessment ("00.09.2002 - University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Risk Assessment") [ID 8817]

"The situation of Kurdish Iranians is more precarious than the Bakhtiari (because of their higher numbers and Sunni Muslim faith) or the Baluchis (because of their advocacy of autonomy and intellectual urban bases). Complicating any predictive assessment is the number of countries with sizable Kurdish minorities that play off one another and have historically used the Kurds as political pawns. Additionally, while militant Iranian Kurds have used the northern autonomous zone in Iraq as a safe haven, it is unclear what will become of this option if Hussein is removed from power. Because regional autonomy does not appear to be in the Iranian Kurds’ near future, the condition of Kurds in Iran will likely be unresolved for years to come."

Document(s): 00.09.2002 - University of Maryland - Minorities at Risk: Risk Assessment

16.01.2002 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

In late 2000, Kurdish member of the Majilis publicly alleged the existence of “a campaign of repression and serial killings” against the Kurds ("Report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, prepared by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Maurice Danby Copithorne, pursuant to Commission resolution 2001/17 (E/CN.4/2002/42)") [#5732],  [ID 8818]

"88. The Special Representative has in several reports discussed the status of the Kurds. He
recognizes the difficulty of capturing the real situation in such matters as the treatment of
minorities without access to the regions concerned. The challenge of distinguishing local
incidents from broader trends may be also more formidable in this context.
89. In his interim report to the General Assembly (A/56/278, paras. 82-84), the Special
Representative identified a number of indictors that conditions may be improving for the Kurds.
More recent information suggests that on balance, discrimination and repression continue to
exist. A number of specific allegations are set out in annex IV.
90. In the political sphere, perhaps the most dramatic event was the attempted, and in the
event withdrawn, collective resignation in October 2001 of all six members of the Majilis from
the province of Kurdistan. In a letter to the Interior Minister, the six said “unfortunately,
Kurdistan province and the Kurds, especially Sunnis, are denied their legitimate rights, and
executive officials are turning their backs to calls for justice on the political, economic, cultural
and social issues they have brought out”. Late in 2000, a Kurdish member of the Majilis had
publicly alleged the existence of “a campaign of repression and serial killings” against the
Kurdish community."

Document(s): sr-irn-0102.pdf
Open document

10.08.2001 - Source: UN General Assembly

Kurdistan rates as the second poorest province, by almost all indicators ("Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic in Iran A/ 56/278") [#4950],  [ID 8819]

"82. There are a number of interesting developments concerning the Kurdish community (see A/55/363, paras.63-67). To begin with, President Khatami appears
to be the first non-Kurdish political figure to be popular among the Kurds. He won their votes in overwhelming numbers in the recent election. His appointment of the first Kurd to hold the position of Governor of Kurdistan reinforced his popularity. The Governor appears to have been able to facilitate what
one Kurdish editor describes as “a process of reconciliation”. It is said to have lead to a greater sense of security. In the words of one Kurdish social worker, “the hatred that divided families is now over. Now social concerns are paramount.” Among other things, Kurdish cultural expression now appears to be
encouraged. Kurdish language weeklies and monthlies are on the rise, a programme of government-subsidised Kurdish language classes has begun, and there is the prospect of several hours of daily Kurdish television broadcasting in Sannandaj. The Kurdish community was presumably heartened by the appearance of “Drunken Horses”, reportedly the first Kurdish language film. This is of course a good beginning, but it remains to be seen to what extent the Kurdish
language will, for example, be allowed in schools.
83. Kurdistan rates as the second poorest province, by almost all indicators. There is talk of stagnation, of job loss and of emigration to other provinces. One Kurdish member of the Majilis has demanded a dialogue with the President regarding the Kurd’s cultural, social and economic problems. In December a
peaceful demonstration by Kurdish students of the University of Tehran was reportedly broken up by the police, with accompanying arrests and injuries.
84. One of the dividing lines in the Kurdish community is religion. The majority Sunni group has been resentful of the favourable treatment apparently
accorded to the minority Shia community, and some of the stronger words by Kurdish members of the Majilis have been in that context."

Document(s): 02192iran.pdf
Open document

01.10.2000 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Danish Immigration Service: Discrimination against Kurds by the Iranian authorities ("Report on fact-finding mission to Iran; 9 - 17 September 2000") [#9593],  [ID 8814]

"The delegation briefly discussed the situation for Kurds in Iran with representatives of a Western
embassy in Tehran.
According to the source, there is Kurdish opposition to the Iranian government in the northern
regions of Iran. Such opposition is expressed primarily by the activities of the Kurdish Democratic
Party of Iran (KDPI). In that connection, the source referred to disturbances and demonstrations in
the Kurdish part of Iran. In February 1999 there were massive demonstrations in northern Iran in
connection with the case in Turkey against the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, and disturbances took place in Ardebil in connection with the parliamentary elections in February 2000, when the names
of all the registered candidates were crossed out.
The authorities discriminate against Kurds. According to the source, one example of such
discrimination is the fact that the Kurdish language cannot be used in schools.
However, the source did not think that Iranian Kurds are persecuted by the Iranian authorities as
such.
According to another Western source, the only scholastic and official language in Iran is Persian,
which is the mother tongue of well over half the population. Another 25 languages are spoken in
the home, and newspapers and publications appear in various minority languages."

Document(s): Open document