Event

European Parliament: The Future of Human Rights Activism and Civil Society in Iran

03.12.2009

 

  Boguslaw Sonik
Member of the European Parliament

in cooperation with

  

the European Foundation for Democracy and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

cordially invite you to a panel discussion on the

The Future of Human Rights Activism and Civil Society in Iran

Thursday 3 December 2009
12.30-14.00
Room A5F385
A light sandwich lunch will be served

Speakers:

  • Dr Ladan Boroumand, Research Director at the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation and 2009 Recipient of the Lech Walesa Award
  • Fred Petrossians, Radio Farda Web Editor, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
  • Kamran Ashtary, European Coordinator, United4Iran

This summer, Iranians took to the streets protesting the perceived fraudulent election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in what was the largest populist uprising in the country since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The extent and impact of the protests which continue today have yet to be determined, but the Iranian government is taking every step to quell them.

Accordingly, what does the future hold for the opposition in Iran? What steps can Europe take to support the movement for human rights in Iran?

The panel will discuss the Iranian government's efforts to suppress the opposition voice and explore the potential for change by analyzing the current status of civil society activism in Iran, its role during the summer protests, and the prospects and challenges ahead. They will try to link the aspiration and struggle of Iran's people visible in its grassroots and civil society movements with the historic role of analogous groups like Solidarnosc in Central and Eastern Europe in latter part of the 20th century. Lastly, panellists will discuss what Europe can do to support the bravery and defend the rights of Iranian activists.

RSVP by 2 December to
Joshua (at) EuropeanDemocracy.org
Please let us know if you will need access to the European Parliament