The Communication and Education Centre Association (CIC – #15041002) is committed to advancing and protecting human rights in Iran. Our mission is to support courageous Iranian women, girls, youth, and marginalized communities as they strive for their basic freedoms and work toward a democratic republic grounded in the will of the people.
We advocate for individuals who are imprisoned, tortured, or persecuted because of their gender, political beliefs, religious identity, or other deeply held convictions. Our work also extends to supporting children, women, and religious minorities who face systemic discrimination and oppression.
Our Services
We provide a wide range of community-focused services for members of the Iranian diaspora in the UK, including:
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Citizenship Advice & Test Preparation
Classes & Workshops
Family, Children & Youth Support
Health & Mental Health Awareness
Immigration Advice
Interpreting & Translation
Volunteering Opportunities
Welfare & Social Support
We are delivering a UK-based advocacy and support programme designed specifically for Iranian diaspora communities—particularly refugees, women, and young people. This programme includes:
Storytelling and public awareness initiatives
Mental health and trauma-healing workshops
Legal education and civil rights sessions
Community-led campaigns and cultural activities
Our aim is to create safe, culturally sensitive, and trusted spaces where people can connect, reduce isolation, learn about their rights, and begin a journey of healing and empowerment.
Why This Programme Matters
Many members of the Iranian community in the UK—especially women, young adults, and refugees—carry the trauma of political repression, war, and human rights violations. Despite this, they often lack access to mental health support or advocacy tools tailored to their lived experiences.
This project was shaped through extensive consultation with Iranian community members across the UK. Over 2,000 supporters, including UK-based councillors, civil society leaders, youth groups, and women’s networks, contributed feedback. Community input clearly highlighted the need for:
Trauma-informed workshops
Legal rights education
Storytelling initiatives to reduce isolation and amplify underrepresented voices
These insights directly informed the design, structure, and delivery of our programme.
Who Benefits?
The programme primarily supports:
Iranian refugees and asylum seekers
Young adults and women experiencing trauma or social marginalisation
Community members facing isolation or cultural barriers
Participants will gain access to:
Mental health and trauma-healing workshops
Self-advocacy skills and civil rights education
Cultural and storytelling events
Peer support networks and trusted facilitators
Through these activities, our project empowers individuals with resilience, inclusion, and meaningful civic participation.
Our Key Priorities
Our work aligns with three core goals:
Building strong relationships within and across communities
Helping people reach their potential through early-stage support, education, and empowerment
Supporting communities facing the greatest challenges, especially those affected by displacement, trauma, and rising living costs
Our Campaign to Save Lives in Iran
As the Iranian regime intensifies its repression, countless peaceful demonstrators—many under the age of 25—are subjected to violence, arrests, and unlawful executions. We are leading an urgent campaign to stop executions in Iran and protect the lives of those who stand for freedom.
Stories like that of Ayda, a 36-year-old physician who was tortured to death for helping an injured protester, reflect the devastating reality many face. Their courage strengthens our commitment to justice.
What We Do
Advocacy & Documentation: Collecting evidence of human rights violations and submitting reports to the UN and international bodies
Global Awareness: Sharing the names and stories of at-risk individuals to mobilise global pressure
Legal Action: Pursuing justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators
Over 3,000 UK councillors have joined our efforts. We remain steadfast in defending the rights and dignity of those risking their lives for democracy.
Join Us
Stand with us in the fight to save lives, support survivors of repression, and build a future where every person in Iran can live with freedom, dignity, and without fear.
The UK Parliament hosted a pivotal conference titled “Standing with the Women of Iran in the Battle for Democracy and Combating State Violence.” The event, held in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, united lawmakers, members of the Anglo-Iranian community, and representatives of the (NCRI) to support Iranian women’s fight against systemic oppression and advocate for human rights.
Baroness O’Loan highlighted the stark realities of life under Iran’s clerical regime, emphasizing the absence of rule of law and the regime’s use of torture and execution to silence dissent. She described the fight for democracy in Iran as both a moral and strategic imperative for the international community.
Bob Blackman, Conservative MP and Co-President of the International Committee of Parliamentarians for a Democratic Iran, condemned the systemic oppression of women in Iran, including state-sponsored violence and marginalization. Praising the courage of Iranian women leading the movement for freedom, Blackman stated, “Women in Iran have stood boldly to demand their absolute rights.”
Lord David Alton, Co-President of the British Committee for Iran Freedom, drew attention to the double oppression faced by Iranian women, noting their exclusion from leadership roles and limited access to employment, with only 26% of government positions held by women. He called for immediate international action to confront Tehran’s repressive policies.
Baroness Verma delivered a passionate appeal, criticizing global institutions for failing to hold oppressive regimes accountable. She denounced the regime’s systemic abuse of women, including restrictions on attire and mobility, and its broader record of torture and imprisonment. Baroness Verma urged daily vigilance in combating such injustices, lamenting the international community’s lackluster response.
Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, expressed solidarity with Iranian women and called for decisive measures, including proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and recognizing the NCRI as the legitimate voice of the Iranian people. He underscored the regime’s impunity for atrocities like the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, warning that continued inaction emboldens Tehran.
Councilor Robert Ward decried decades of international inaction, condemning the appeasement policies that have failed to curtail the regime’s atrocities. Similarly, Lord Spellar, a Labour peer and former Defense Minister, emphasized the need for a tougher stance against the regime, which he accused of spreading “death, destruction, and misery” domestically and abroad.
Baroness Foster criticized Western leadership and the United Nations for failing to confront Tehran. She called out the paradox of Iran holding leadership roles in international human rights bodies while systematically violating those rights.
Lord Dholakia lauded the leadership of Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI, describing the 10-Point Plan for a democratic Iran as a source of hope. Reflecting on his participation in the Free Iran rally in Paris, he praised the bravery of resistance units operating within Iran.
Several lawmakers, including Lord Hacking, Lord Maurice Morrow, and Sir Roger Gale, commended the resilience of Iranian women. They emphasized the urgency of isolating Tehran diplomatically and economically while expressing admiration for the NCRI’s vision of a democratic transition in Iran.
The conference underscored the solidarity of UK lawmakers with Iranian women, advocating for immediate and firm international action against Tehran’s oppressive regime.
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Location: UK Parliament, Westminster
Organizer: The Iranian Academics Association
Attendees: UK Members of Parliament, members of the Iranian Academics in Exile Association, professors, lawyers, and other supporters of Iranian human rights.
The Iranian Academics in Exile Association organized a session in the British Parliament to express solidarity with the Iranian people’s ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms. This meeting brought together UK MPs, academics, and members of the legal community to advocate for increased international pressure on the Iranian regime in response to escalating state repression.
Introduction
On 15th October 2024, the UK Parliament convened a significant meeting focusing on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Iran, specifically the regime’s increasing use of executions and severe human rights abuses. The discussions featured statements from various MPs and peers, including Siavosh Rajabi, Baroness Meacher, Lord Whitty, Lord Bruce of Bennachie, David Pinto-Duschinsky, Lord Desai, and Charlotte Cane MP. Each speaker provided valuable perspectives, underscoring the urgency of international support for the Iranian people in their struggle for justice and democracy.
Key Points of Discussion
Siavosh Rajabi: Escalating Executions and Repression in Iran
Siavosh Rajabi opened the meeting with a detailed overview of the alarming increase in executions under Iran’s current regime. He reported over 500 executions since August 2024, with 267 occurring during the current Prime Minister’s term. Rajabi described the regime’s systematic use of capital punishment as a method of political control, targeting dissenters and opposition groups.
Rajabi linked Iran’s internal repression with its destabilizing actions across the Middle East, emphasizing that conflicts in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Iraq serve to distract from the regime’s domestic human rights abuses. He urged the UK and other international actors to impose sanctions, suspend diplomatic relations, and support Iranian opposition groups like the (NCRI) and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. He praised Rajavi’s ten-point plan, envisioning a future for Iran based on democracy and freedom.
Baroness Meacher: Advocacy for Iranian Political Prisoners
Baroness Meacher acknowledged the bravery of Iranian political prisoners who have drawn attention to the regime’s mass executions through hunger strikes and peaceful protest. She condemned the regime’s cruel treatment of prisoners, including the use of solitary confinement and denial of family visits, highlighting the brutality faced by dissidents.
Meacher also expressed frustration at the lack of jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court over Iran, which limits accountability. She lauded UN Special Rapporteur Javid Rahman for his dedication in documenting Iran’s systematic human rights abuses, underscoring Rahman’s July 2022 report as a foundational step toward future accountability.
Lord Whitty: Labour’s Call for Action on Human Rights
Lord Whitty, a long-serving Labour peer known for his work on social justice, consumer protection, and environmental issues, joined the calls for international accountability. Although primarily focused on domestic advocacy, Whitty emphasized the need for a collaborative international response to the humanitarian abuses in Iran, advocating for diplomatic measures that would signal the UK’s firm stance against Iran’s human rights violations.
Lord Bruce of Bennachie: Liberal Democrat’s Support for Economic and Diplomatic Pressure
Lord Bruce of Bennachie, known for his extensive work on international development and trade relations with developing countries, supported the economic and diplomatic measures suggested by other speakers. He highlighted the need to address Iran’s internal repression and its regional destabilizing activities through diplomatic channels and sanctions, aiming to weaken the regime’s hold on power while promoting regional stability.
David Pinto-Duschinsky: Labour’s Push for Democratic Reforms
Labour MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, who focuses on education, democracy, and constitutional reforms, emphasized the importance of democratic values in addressing Iran’s crisis. He called for support of opposition groups within Iran that advocate for democratic reforms and constitutional rights, framing Iran’s internal strife as a violation of universal democratic principles that the UK and international community must actively oppose.
Lord Desai: Economic Perspectives on Iran
Lord Desai, an economist and former professor at the London School of Economics, offered insights into the economic consequences of Iran’s authoritarian policies, particularly its impact on global trade and development economics. He underscored the regime’s economic mismanagement as a root cause of widespread poverty and suffering within Iran, calling for targeted economic sanctions as an effective tool to press the Iranian regime toward reform.
Charlotte Cane MP: A Local Approach to Global Human Rights Issues
Charlotte Cane MP, a Liberal Democrat with a background in community development, housing, and environmental sustainability, echoed the humanitarian concerns raised by her peers. Drawing from her experience as a local councillor, she highlighted the importance of engaging the Iranian community in the UK and abroad, underscoring the role of grassroots support and community involvement in bolstering the Iranian people’s struggle for justice.
Jon Pearce MP and Neda Zabeti
Jon Pearce MP, along with Neda Zabeti, a representative of Anglo-Iranian students and a law student, also voiced their support. Zabeti presented a unique perspective, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Iranian students in exile and advocating for increased international support for young Iranians striving for a democratic future.
Tom Gordon MP: I didn’t anticipate human rights would be a core focus, but here we are. Standing up for #HumanRights abuses, whether in Iran or elsewhere, is something I believe MPs must do, regardless of party. The #BBC World Service’s role in reporting these issues is crucial.
Mousa Zahed: Supporting Iranian Civil Society
Mousa Zahed, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum for Development, stressed the necessity of supporting Iran’s civil society. He emphasized that Iranian citizens in exile, especially students, face significant challenges and urged UK-based organizations to offer assistance. He reiterated the importance of amplifying Iranian voices in international platforms, ensuring that the plight of the Iranian people remains at the forefront of global discussions on human rights.
Dr. Elahe Zabihi calls for urgent global action on Iran’s #HumanRights crisis. 860+ executions in 2023 alone signal repression, with many without fair trials. Leaders worldwide are uniting in the #NoToExecutions movement, demanding accountability & justice for #Iranian people.
Azadeh Zabeti: Honoured to speak on Iran’s #HumanRights crisis. Despite global efforts, abuses continue daily, 45 years after the revolution. Time for accountability, sanctions, and support for democratic opposition. Iran’s people deserve freedom and justice. #Iran #HumanRights
Summary and Call to Action
The meeting highlighted a consensus among speakers on the following actions:
1. Imposing Sanctions and Diplomatic Measures: Broad support emerged for intensifying sanctions and reviewing diplomatic relations with Iran to pressure the regime on human rights.
2. Supporting Iranian Opposition Groups: There was unanimous backing for supporting groups like NCRI and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, who advocate for democratic reforms within Iran.
3. Leveraging Economic and Legal Tools: Economists and legal experts called for sanctions and exploring international legal channels to hold Iran accountable for its systematic human rights abuses.
4. Encouraging Grassroots and Community Support: Calls were made to foster community support within the UK for Iranian citizens in exile and to amplify voices from Iranian civil society.
Conclusion
The UK Parliament’s meeting demonstrated unified condemnation of Iran’s escalating human rights abuses and its oppressive practices against political dissidents. Through increased international pressure, support for opposition movements, and legal accountability, the UK and its allies can stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in their quest for a future rooted in justice, dignity, and democratic governance. The collective actions discussed are steps toward ensuring that Iran’s citizens are afforded the fundamental rights they deserve, free from fear and oppression.
Book a Table to Support Iran’s Uprising, Political Prisoners, and Protest Against Recent Executions at Town Centers Across the UK
Join us in solidarity with the people of Iran by booking a table at various town centers across the UK to express our strong opposition to the recent executions and to show support for Iran’s uprising and the call for change.
Recent events in Iran have raised deep concerns about human rights violations, political repression, and the unjust execution of individuals. As British citizens, we stand united against these actions and seek to amplify our voices in support of the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
Toomaj Salehi, a prominent Iranian dissident rapper and activist, has been released from prison after 753 days of incarceration, his international legal team announced on Monday. Salehi, 32, had been imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, following his arrest in October 2022 for supporting the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Jhina Amini. Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, died in police custody after being detained for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly, igniting nationwide protests against the Iranian regime.
Salehi’s activism, expressed through his music and social media, has long challenged Iran’s authoritarian government. During the protests, he encouraged Iranians to rise against the regime and shared videos of himself demonstrating alongside others. His lyrics often criticized the government’s repression. In a song from October 2022, posted shortly before his arrest, Salehi wrote: “Someone’s crime was dancing with her hair in the wind, someone’s crime was that he or she was brave and outspoken.”
After his initial detention, Salehi was briefly released but was re-arrested when he shared a video detailing the torture he endured, including solitary confinement. Iranian authorities charged him with making false claims and spreading lies. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to death by a lower court in Isfahan for “spreading corruption on earth.” However, in June, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned the death sentence, offering a glimmer of hope for his supporters.
Salehi’s release is attributed to persistent international advocacy. His family received support from the London-based Doughty Street Chambers and non-profits such as the Index on Censorship and the Human Rights Foundation, which filed appeals and complaints to the United Nations. Caoilfhionn Gallagher, an international lawyer representing Salehi, emphasized that his release came after sustained pressure from both domestic and global advocates. “The regime tried to silence Toomaj with a death sentence, tortured him to break his spirit, and now, after so much pain and injustice, they released him,” said Salehi’s cousin, Arezou Eghbali Babadi.
Salehi expressed gratitude on social media, acknowledging the outpouring of support he received during his imprisonment: “Over the past two years, you have done things for me that were unpredictable, glorious, and unbelievable.” However, his release is met with cautious optimism. Gallagher warned, “We must ensure Mr. Salehi remains free and is never again subjected to the egregious violations of his rights.”