Humanists UK is thinking of the people of Iran right now. The Islamic Republic is a brutal theocratic dictatorship, but Iran is also a country of great culture, resilience, and humanity. At this time of fear and uncertainty, our thoughts are with everyone facing violence, repression, and loss.
We join Humanists International in condemning the recent military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, and the dehumanising language used by President Trump in recent threats. We are deeply concerned by the growing number of civilian deaths and the damage to civilian infrastructure. Civilians must be protected, and any possible breaches of international law should be properly investigated.
We also condemn the Iranian government’s attacks in response to this conflict, and its long record of abusing its own people. For years, the theocratic regime has persecuted religious and belief minorities, including the non-religious, and met calls for freedom with violence and intimidation. The people of Iran deserve better than war and repression.
These things are not contradictory. We can oppose military attacks from outside and oppression from within at the same time. Both come from the same humanist belief in dignity, freedom, and human rights. The people of Iran deserve peace, justice, and the freedom to shape their own future.
Even if many of us feel powerless right now, we hold onto hope for a better future for Iran and its people. Humanists UK stands in solidarity with all those in Iran working peacefully for freedom, equality, and human rights, with all those in the United States working for the rule of law and an end to wars of aggression, and the governments of all nations who are speaking out against potential war crimes and working for peace.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:
‘Humanists stand with the people of Iran, not with war, and not with theocratic oppression. Iran’s people deserve peace, human rights, and the freedom to determine their own future. Even in dark times, we should not lose sight of the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by those in Iran who continue to hope and work for a better society.’
Notes
Read Humanists UK’s previous commentaries on the situation in Iran:
- Solidarity with the people of Iran
- Tehranis rock out in defiance of Iran’s regime
- Iran protests: death toll reaches over 300, including 40 children
- Shaparak Khorsandi condemns killing of Iranian woman over hijab law
- Humanists UK at UN calls for Iran to abolish the death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy
- Humanists UK calls for stronger legal rights for the non-religious in Iraq and Iran
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.