Iran: Follow-up to IRN38406.E of 7 February 2002 on the existence of a group called the Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front; whether this group is still active; whether it is based in Iran; its activities, goals; instances of problems with Iranian authorities
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 27 August 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN39393.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Follow-up to IRN38406.E of 7 February 2002 on the existence of a group called the Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front; whether this group is still active; whether it is based in Iran; its activities, goals; instances of problems with Iranian authorities , 27 August 2002, IRN39393.E , available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4dade.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a representative of Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network in London, the Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front is active and present in certain European cities, including London, and aims at a policy of non-violent resistance to the Iranian authorities (27 Aug. 2002). The representative could not confirm if the group adhered to this policy of non-violence, or if the group engaged in activities in Iran (ibid.). The representative stated that, in Amnesty International's opinion, the group has a weak presence in Iran, perhaps even [translation] "only in name" (ibid.). Amnesty International mentions the group as a source for a report of the sentencing to death of five men in Ahvaz for arms smuggling (6 Mar. 2002). The group alleges that the five were in reality executed for their opposition to the government's policy of land seizure in that region (6 Mar. 2002).
The Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front's Website includes appeals to various human rights groups for the condemnation of the Iranian government's treatment of Ahwazian Arabs in Iran and elsewhere (n.d.).
No information on the activities of the group, or instances of difficulties with Iranian authorities could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
AlAhwaz.com. n.d. "Home page."
Amnesty International (AI), London. 27 August 2002. Correspondence received from a representative of the Urgent Action Network.
Amnesty International (AI). 6 March 2002. "Urgent Action: Iran." AI Index: 13/005/2002
Additional Sources Consulted
Internet Sites including:
Ahwazian Revolution Information Centre
Amnesty International
BBC
Democratic Network of Iran
Department of State (United States)
Fertile Crescent Home Page
Foundation for Democracy in Iran/National Council of Resistance of Iran
Hello to Ahwaz, Ahwazian Homepage
Human Rights Watch
International Federation of Iranian Refugees, Correspondence
Iran Human Rights Chronicle
The Iranian
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
