Academies call for cessation of violence by Iranian government

Thursday, October 13, 2022

In solidarity with the students and scholars protesting against the Iranian regime, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences condemn the harsh state action against the people of Iran and the accompanying violation of human rights. The escalating repression against members of the scientific community seriously threatens their academic freedoms as well.

As a member of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences call on the Iranian government, as a State Party, to comply with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Violence, especially against women, in response to protests against prevailing sexism and violations of women's physical integrity should be stopped. The right to freedom of expression and assembly is to be respected and a dialogue for conflict resolution is to be established.