European Rights Observatory
Madame Chair, distinguished representatives, I speak today about one of the most urgent
and overlooked human rights concerns: the situation of the Ahwazi Arab women. Although
the Ahwazi Arabs are the demographic majority in their homeland, generations of political
marginalization, demographic engineering, and institutional exclusion have forced them into
a minority in practice. For Ahwazi women, this is a reality that is lived daily. They experience
dual oppression. As Arabs, they face systematic cultural, political and economic exclusion.
As women, they confront discriminatory laws in marriage, custody, inheritance, movement,
work, and education. Their exclusion from public decision-making undermines their
equality, security, and dignity. Their resilience however sustains their community, preserving
language, culture, and collective memory. Yet, this leadership is met with harassment,
detention, or criminalization, especially for those who teach Arabic or engage in cultural
work. The Ahwazi case shows that discrimination is not members, it is about denied rights,
recognition, and participation. In line with the Forum’s mandate, I respectfully recommend
a UN monitoring mechanism on Ahwazi women, safe, non-punitive participation in public
life, reform of discriminatory laws and policies, economic inclusion, education, and social
protections, protection of cultural rights, including mother tongue education, targeted
programs for women and youth, recognition of the Ahwazi people’s right to meaningful
cultural and political self-determination, including preserving language, managing cultural
affairs, and participating fully in decisions that affect their lives. Sustainable peace requires
dignity. The dignity of Ahwaz is inseparable from the dignity of its women. They continue to
lead and to hope. The international community must listen and act. [cut off by Chair].