In some villages the situation of girls is monstrous. In fact, they start to work in the fields or in carpet manufactures already at the age of 5. Instead of enjoying the fundamental right to free education, these little girls will eventually suffer from spinal deformities or blindness after weaving the famous “Persian rugs” in Azerbaijani villages. Interdiction of Azeri women to create their own NGOs Despite the courage to defend their rights, the Azeri women are forbidden to assemble, self-organise and to be heard. Moreover, the answer to any kind of claims made by intellectuals is ‘imprisonment and torture’. Today, because they belong to different ethnic groups, women face difficulties in coordinating their defence in front of the oppression of the Islamic Republic and its traditions. It is thus imperative, without denying their ethnic identity and their claims, to give them the right to self-organise in order to fight against all abuses they experience. The Azerbaijani women from Iran fight for their fundamental rights, for human rights and for democracy. Today, Azerbaijani women are victims of several violations of their human rights by the Islamic Republic that forbids them to protect their ethnic identity, mother tongue and environment. Steps must be taken in order to eliminate discrimination against Azeri women and men in Iran.       Respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Apply the international decision on culture and education in the mother tongue. Put an end to race, economic and political discrimination of this population. Give access to the judicial system in everyone’s mothertongue so that everyone is able to understand it. End the racist propaganda done by the education system and the mass media. Release all the Azeri political prisoners. Considering the seriousness of the environmental situation in Azerbaijan, we urge the United Nations for an immediate intervention in the Islamic Republic in Iran. The authorities must take prompt actions in order to resolve the problem of the Urmia lake affecting the existence of 14 million people – women, men and children – in the region. Ms Chair, I would like to thank you for your attention. Jaleh RAZMI Azerbaijanese Association - ARC CULTURE - France