September 20, 2016
 
Letter to all Permanent Missions and Observer Missions of the United Nations
 
Re: The Islamic Republic’s continuing violations of the United Nations’ Charter, Covenants and Resolutions.
 
 
Your Excellency,
 
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the opening of the 71st session of the United Nations’ General Assembly, the annual gathering of nations that strives to bring about and preserve global peace, security, and respect for international law and human rights for billions of people.Today, one of the greatest challenges facing the international community continues to be the ongoing crises in the greater Near and Middle East, which sharply escalated four decades ago with the establishment of the theocratic regime of the Islamic Republic in Iran.Since its inception, this regime has been the principle contributor to and antagonist of the deterioration of regional stability, and increasingly a threat to global peace and security.Fourteen months ago, we conditionally gave our approval to the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA); however, we did so based on the then-perceived necessity to prevent war, while firmly stating that this agreement did not address the ongoing human rights violations committed by the theocratic regime, the export of terrorism, and the direct involvement in regional conflicts.While it supports tyranny, war and terrorism across the region, the theocratic regime continues its oppression at home against the Iranian people with greater vigour and savagery. These continuing human rights violations are well documented by the alarming reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Dr. Ahmed Shaheed).Since the JCPOA, Dr. Shaheed’s reports have documented an increase in discrimination, apartheid, oppression, executions, arbitrary and summary arrests, torture and imprisonment of human and civil rights activists, juveniles, women, religious and ethnic communities, and anyone who dares to question or is perceived to be a cultural, religious, civic and political threat to the supremacy of the theocratic state.The Islamic Republic sustains itself through terror, abuse, conflict, and war. The theocratic state was founded on the principle of Khomeini’s belief that war is a divine gift bestowed upon the Islamic Republic by God. It is therefore incumbent upon the United Nations to be vigilant and aware that the theocratic state welcomes and indeed encourages conflicts, for it is only through these means that it can consolidate its hold over Iranians and extend its influence in the region.The ever-increasing, harsh oppression of the Iranian people is ample evidence that the theocratic regime is afraid of its own people. The continuous and flagrant violation of international laws and covenants by the regime is ample evidence that it rejects international law and joining the community of nations as a responsible member, for this would mean the end of the theocratic state.Within Iran, the Islamic Republic is a well-documented oppressor of the Iranian people, it has destroyed the Iranian economy, destroyed the delicate eco-system and environment, and – like the Taliban and ISIS - has carried out a sustained effort to destroy our rich Iranian culture and heritage. Outside Iran, the theocratic regime has turned our beloved homeland into a pariah state by repeatedly violating international laws, rejecting the universal declaration of human rights, supporting terrorism and degrading regional and global peace and stability.The Iranian people need and deserve better. The international community continues to bear the responsibility to monitor and bear witness to the human rights violations in Iran and hold the theocratic regime accountable for exporting regional instability. Most importantly, the international community must support the Iranian peoples’ ongoing efforts to seek and realize their democratic aspirations.We ask for and need all member nations to join us in our campaign, “United for Freedom”, against the ongoing human rights violations committed by the Islamic Republic, and in support of the freedom of all the political and prisoners of conscience in Iran.Such a united and focused emphasis on human rights in Iran by the international community at large, and the United Nations in particular, will pressure the theocratic regime to modify its ever increasing repressive tactics and give an opening to the beleaguered Iranian people to voice their aspirations. The Iranian people need to know that the world is watching and willing to support their democratic ideals.Moreover, the best way to limit the theocratic regime’s support of terrorism and war in the region is by pressing it on its human rights abuses at home: the more the Iranian people are empowered at home and have a real voice, the more we can expect to see different policies inside and outside Iran.Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest considerations.
 
Reza Pahlavi
 
President Iran National Council for Free election