In a step toward advocating for human rights in Iran, the United States Congress has established the “Congressional ASHRAF Protection and Rights Advocacy Caucus”.
This bipartisan Congressional Member Organization (CMO) aims to address the challenges faced by Iranian dissidents, particularly those residing in Ashraf-3, Albania.
Led by Co-Chairs from both Republican and Democratic parties, this Caucus provides a platform for Members of Congress to engage in meaningful discussions about the evolving issues concerning the well-being of these dissidents. The Caucus’s focus includes protection, advocacy, and the prevention of persecution, ensuring these individuals are safe both within Iran and abroad.
It aims to collaborate with relevant U.S. agencies and European allies to hold Iran accountable for its violations of diplomatic privileges and human rights. This includes measures against the nefarious activities of the Iranian regime’s diplomatic missions and ensuring the safety and rights of political refugees as per international human rights conventions. The Caucus commits to amplifying the voices of these dissidents, ensuring their perspectives are heard internationally.
The Caucus’s mission statement emphasizes its dedication to “protecting the rights of Iranian dissidents, including those living in Ashraf-3.”
The Caucus also supports the Transnational Repression Accountability and Prevention (TRAP) Act, which aims to prevent the misuse of INTERPOL by autocrats for persecuting political opponents, including those in Ashraf-3. This provision, passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, reflects a firm stand against international human rights abuses.
Furthermore, this includes engaging with the Albanian government and Ashraf City leaders, supporting Iran’s democracy movement, and condemning the Iranian regime’s brutal actions against protesters.
the Caucus is committed to promoting human rights in Iran, working with various international and domestic partners to pressure the Tehran government to adhere to international norms.
The Caucus’s establishment marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, demonstrating a strong commitment to human rights and the plight of Iranian dissidents. With its comprehensive approach, including monitoring the activities of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, the Caucus aims to play a crucial role in advocating for a freer and more democratic Iran.
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