Lady President,
This critical situation afflicting our people brings us here today to ask the International
Community to stop the slow death of thousands of innocent people, and to help put an
end to Ahwaz’s environmental crisis before it reaches and spreads beyond
neighbouring countries.
We ask the United Nations to:
Firstly, force Iran to allow the rivers of Ahwaz to flow freely and at full capacity.
Secondly, prevent the dam- and tunnel-building projects conducted by Iran until they can
be monitored by the International Community.
Thirdly, guarantee the quantity and consistent flow of water reaching the (Hor al-Adim.
Hor al-Falahia, and Hor Shawoor) to ensure that they regenerate to their original levels.
Fourthly, put an immediate stop to the drainage of industrial- and agricultural wastes
into the Ahwazi rivers.
Fifthly, to hold Iran accountable for using water as weapon in order to enforce
discriminatory demographic changes in Ahwaz.
Sixthly, force Tehran to compensate the victims of environmental pollution for loss of
human life, land, and resources. Payment of medical bills for those suffering from
pollution-related illnesses is also necessary.
Lady Chairman,
What the Iranian Government is doing, and what I have presented here today, is just a
small fraction of what amounts to a systematic policy to eradicate the Ahwazi nation.
This requires urgent action from the International Community. We strongly suggest the
appointment of an investigative- and monitoring committee by the United Nations.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise part of Ahwazi people issues
Abdulrahman Heidari (PADMAZ Representative)