Iran human rights and democracy must not come through war

Victoria Azad – WNN Opinion

Woman in Tehran, Iran shows solidarity before the June 2009 election

A woman in Tehran, Iran puts up her hand in a show of solidarity at a Green movement rally before Iran's election in June 2009. When the voter numbers came in after the election, women working inside the country for democracy did not feel their vote was counted fairly or accurately on the election. The show of solidarity with the Iranian democracy movement has placed many in danger. Women in Iran have also worked on issues of human rights within Iranian society. As defenders of 'rights for all' numerous women, and their families, have been sentenced to prison.

(WNN) Stockholm, SWEDEN: For me, who has experienced the ugliness of the Iran and Iraq war, I know that war is an inhumane phenomena and its use uncivilized and unnecessary. The occurrence of war stems from ‘pure human evil’ and the incomplete growth of [all of] us as human beings. Unfortunately more millenniums have to pass before true change will take place.

To be able to stop the augmentation of military power in the [Iranian] region, with a repeat of other tragedies that will affect Iran, one must act like a two edged sword.

On one hand [it requires us to] keep the pressure on the ‘savage regime’ of Iran while on the other hand keeping the international community informed about the breaches of human rights carried out by the regime.

We [Iranian human rights activists] have never left the [democracy] fighting ground and we will do whatever in our power to use civilized means, because war is not a fitting transition to democracy.

As long as the opposition acts weak it leaves a void that will be filled by this tyrant regime who will be in more and more control. In order to change this phenomenon woman must take initiative to overthrow their oppressors.

Our primary action needs to be through means of civil disobedience, civil resistance and participation in grassroots movements.

Women are the group who have the highest reason [to push toward peace].

Women are the ones who will benefit the most from the removal of this oppressive regime. Women are not motivated by power in order to satisfy needs.

Women need power to change the structure of the ‘society for all.’

This is what motivates women and makes women ready to accept the cost of such resistance.

Our weapons are enlightenment and unity.
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A 2002 Candidate for Parliament in Sweden, Iranian born human rights advocate Victoria Azad is also a Licensed Nurse with a Masters of Science degree in Nursing. She is also a member of the human rights organization Amnesty International as well as the Iranian Women’s Union for Democracy (IWUD), which works to build a network for those engaged in democracy activism. Azad is also a member of the Liberal Party of Sweden. With a focus on justice and world peace, Azad’s current work is brought forward through her writing and advocacy. In addition to WNN – Women News Network her work has appeared on Payvand Iran News and Tolerance.ca, among others.

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