UK Parliament Holds Conference on Women’s Rights in Iran

On Wednesday, a cross-party group of MPs from both houses of the British Parliament held a conference on women’s rights in Iran. The conference was scheduled in advance of International Women’s Day and focused on the regime’s oppression of women and the need to support the MEK and the Iranian people in their struggle for a free and democratic Iran. Ms. Douwlat Nouwrouzi, the UK Representative of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) live-tweeted the event.

Baroness Margaret Eaton

Baroness Eaton stated that increasing numbers of women are joining the anti-regime protests and the Iranian Resistance. She added that the UK must support these women and recognize the NCRI as a legitimate alternative to the clerical regime, saying: “We call upon all human rights loving individuals, democratic governments throughout the world and the UK government to support these brave women and their legitimate opposition NCRI, and its great leader, Maryam Rajavi.”

Rt Hon David Jones

Rt Hon Jones expressed his support for the women in Iran and said that they should be celebrated for their leading role in the anti-regime protests that have taken place since 2017. He echoed Baroness Eaton’s call on the UK government to support the Iranian people’s democratic goals and urged the government to recognize Mrs. Rajavi’s 10-point plan for Iran’s democratic future.

1/3 Rt Hon David Jones MP at Conf. in UK Parl: I believe the brave women of Iran should be recognised especially in #2020IWD celebration given their extraordinary and prominent role in the anti-regime protests the world has been witnessing since the late 2017. #EachforEqual pic.twitter.com/pUneVkkWnj

— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) February 25, 2020

MP Jones also discussed the recent boycott of the sham parliamentary elections in Iran, saying: “The nationwide boycott was both a resounding no to the regime in Iran but also a sign that the movement for democratic change in Iran is very much alive and deserves international recognition.”

Baroness Sandip Verma

Baroness Sandip Verma, an MP and UK chair of the United Nations Women’s Committee, expressed her admiration for Maryam Rajavi, calling her “an iconic figure for all of us” and emphasizing that “governments and ministers around the world should show the same courage and speak up for women’s rights not only in Iran but around the world.”

Baroness Verma at Conf. in UK Parl: Maryam Rajavi is an iconic figure for all of us & Gov'ts & ministers around the world should show the same courage & speak up for women's rights not only in #Iran but around the world #IWD2020 #EachforEqual pic.twitter.com/ZdJBZgK79L

— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) February 25, 2020

Prof Lord David Alton

Prof Lord Alton stressed that the UK should use its position in the UN Security Council to declare Iranian regime leaders perpetrators of crimes against humanity for its systematic human rights violations, emphasizing that this must include accountability for those responsible for the 1988 Massacre of 30,000 MEK members and supporters. He added that if this goal cannot be accomplished in its entirety, the UN must establish a regional tribunal to bring those who played a role in the massacre to justice.

1/2 Prof Lord Alton at Conf. in UK Parl: #IWD2020 #EachforEqual As part of an international pressure, UK Gov't should take immediate steps at #UNSC to declare leaders of the clerical regime as perpetrators of crimes against humanity for decades of systematic human rights abuses. pic.twitter.com/5OKaelnvoD

— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) February 25, 2020

Sir David Amess

Sir Amess brought up the successful boycott of the regime’s parliamentary elections last week and echoed Mrs. Rajavi’s statement that the boycott reflected a tribute to the protesters killed in the November Uprisings.

2/2 Sir David Amess MP: UK Gov't should revise its current policy on #Iran & back the popular uprisings in Iran against corruption, misogyny and repression, and support Madame Rajavi, and her 10-point democratic platform #IWD2020 #EachforEqual pic.twitter.com/hhqAqQ1Kea

— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) February 25, 2020

He also reiterated what previous MPs said concerning UK policy toward Iran, stating: “The UK government should revise its current policy on Iran and back the popular uprisings in Iran against corruption, misogyny, and repression, and support Madame Rajavi and her 10-point democratic platform.”

Baroness Betty Boothroyd

Baroness Boothroyd expressed her admiration for Mrs. Rajavi and her 10-point plan. She also saluted the brave Iranian women who are protesting the oppressive regime, saying: “In this early celebration of International Women’s Day, there is no better candidate to recognize and celebrate than the brave women in Iran.”

Lady Val Corbett

Lady Corbett was the last speaker at the conference on Tuesday. She condemned the Iranian regime’s misuse of the United Nations’ mechanisms, specifically calling out its membership in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and urged the UK to take action to end these abuses.

Lady Val Corbett at the #IWD2020 #EachforEqual conf in UK Parliament today: The regime has been allowed to misuse UN mechanisms & organs for decades like #Iran’s membership in the UN Women’s Commission on the Status of Women from 2016 until 2020. UK Gov't must act to prevent this pic.twitter.com/NndTDKsAp1

— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) February 25, 2020

She concluded her remarks with an endorsement of Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI. “Today, there is the hope of regime change in #Iran & a new government led by the inspirational leader Maryam Rajavi. Her 10-point plan includes gender equality in political and social rights and equal participation of women in political leadership,” she said.