Take Action: Letter Writing Campaign

NEW NGO LAW WOULD GREATEN RISKS FOR ACTIVISTS

ACTION FROM AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

The Iranian parliament is set to approve a law which will limit the independence of civil society organizations in the country. If passed, many more civil society activists in Iran could risk prosecution for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom association and assembly.
The Bill on the Establishment and Supervision of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is undergoing a final reading in Iran’s parliament. In the last few days, articles have been passed that will severely limit the independence of civil society organizations, despite vigorous opposition from many organizations which would be affected.

The law will create an unaccountable body, the Supreme Committee Supervising NGO Activities. All currently- operating NGOs will have to re-register with the Committee, which will issue and revoke registration permits for all NGOs, and have ultimate authority over their boards of directors. Currently, the closure of registered organizations requires a court decision. Activists taking part in organized activities with NGOs which fail to secure a registration permit, or who have their permit revoked, will be at much greater risk of prosecution under vaguely worded provisions of Iran’s Penal Code. Other measures passed include the requirement for all “non-political demonstrations” and for all contacts with international organizations to have prior permission from the Supreme Committee.

Discussion of the Bill is continuing in the Majles, Iran’s parliament. After it has been passed, it will be sent to the Council of Guardians who will review it for conformity to the Constitution and to Islamic Law.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:

• Calling on Iranian parliamentarians not to pass the Bill on the Establishment and Supervision of NGOs, which would severely limit the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of association and assembly in Iran;
• Reminding the Iranian authorities that freedom of association and assembly is guaranteed by Articles 26 and 27 of the Iranian Constitution and by Article 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Iran is a state party;
• Urging the authorities to cease harassing and arresting civil society activists, including students’ and women’s rights activists, environmentalists, journalists, human rights defenders and members of professional associations, such as the Teachers’ Trade Associations.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 22 April 2011 TO:
Speaker of Parliament
Ali Larijani Majles-e Shoura-ye Eslami Baharestan Square Tehran Islamic Republic of Iran Email: [email protected]
Fax: +98 21 3355 6408
Salutation: Your Excellency

Chair of the Council of Guardians
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati Council of Guardians Imam Khomeini Avenue West of junction with Vali-Asr Ave/Falestin Jonubi St.
Tehran 1317735111 Islamic Republic of Iran Fax: +98 21 6640 1012 (press 2 when automated voice comes on in Persian to begin transmitting fax)
Email: [email protected] Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:
Secretary General, High Council for
Human Rights
Mohammad Javad Larijani High Council for Human Rights [Care of] Office of the Head of the Judiciary, Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737,Islamic Republic of Iran Email: [email protected] (subject line: FAO Mohammad Javad Larijani) Salutation: Dear Sir

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.