Here’s How to Support Protesters in Iran

PThe worst events in Iran have escalated after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by vice squads last month for violating the country’s strict dress code and died in custody. Demonstrators demand justice and criticize the current regime with the rallying cry “Women, Life and Freedom”.

Despite Iran’s internet censorship and police crackdown on protests, which resulted in scores of deaths and arrests, women and students were prominent in demonstrations across the country. Showing support can be done in many different ways, but here are some of the ways you can help.

Donate

The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) does valuable work by working with the local community and investigating human rights abuses in Iran to ensure cases are shared and reported. Your organization provides accurate access to information and is also used to create policy briefings for heads of government. Here you can make a contribution.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran similarly documents human rights abuses in Iran and helps victims of those violations tell their stories in both Farsi and English. You can support their work here.

Other fundraising opportunities include United for Iran, which uses technology to empower Iranians, and Human Rights Watch, which works to protect the most vulnerable global communities, including refugees, civilians at war and children.

Amnesty International, the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, is also asking for emergency donations to fund its investigation into the violence in Iran.

Sign a petition

You can also sign Amnesty International’s ongoing petition to challenge Iran’s continued impunity. The petitioners call for the creation of an independent United Nations mechanism to investigate and hold Iranian officials accountable for their actions.

Another Change.org petition urges leaders of democratic countries to act, you can sign it here.

Stay informed and use your political power

Supporters across the United States have rallied for demonstrations in cities including Los Angeles and New York. You can join your city or state’s local protest to bring more attention to the cause. Following social media accounts to stay up to date on upcoming demonstrations can be helpful. Middle East affairs on Instagram sternly posted where and when protests in support of Iran are taking place around the world. If you are unable to attend a protest yourself, you can spread the word by sharing or posting to spread the word.

US supporters can also ask their congressmen to show their support for the Iranian protests. Citizens can email their representatives or call their elected official’s office. You can find out who your elected officers are by visiting house.gov/representatives and senate.gov. If you live in the UK you can also write to your MP who can be found by entering your postcode here.

Contact us at [email protected].