The EAJC expresses its deep indignation over the UN Secretary-General's congratulations on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) expresses its outrage at the fact that UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated the Iranian authorities on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, amidst the ongoing mass repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), has publicly addressed the UN leadership, strongly condemning the letter sent by the head of the organization to the leader of the repressive regime in Tehran.

On behalf of the EAJC leadership and the leaders of the regional Jewish communities, Dr. Mirilashvili issued the following statement:

"I express deep outrage regarding the recent public statements by the United Nations Secretary-General addressed to the Iranian leadership, made against the background of severe domestic repression. According to numerous assessments by independent human rights organizations, the brutal suppression of protests and internal terror in Iran have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Tens of thousands more have been injured, subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial prosecution.

Furthermore, Iran continues its systematic suppression of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, women's rights, and national minorities.

In this context, public gestures that may be interpreted as congratulations or moral support for the ruling elite of the Tehran regime raise serious concern and bewilderment.

The United Nations was established as an institution designed to protect human rights and dignity, and to prevent crimes against humanity. When the world witnesses mass killings and human rights violations, the stance of international institutions must be absolutely clear and morally unambiguous.

The history of the twentieth century has convincingly shown that moral neutrality in the face of repressive regimes is inevitably perceived as their indirect legitimation.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress urges the UN leadership to take urgent action to:

1. Provide a clear and unequivocal assessment of the large-scale repression in Iran;

2. Support an independent international investigation into the mass killings and torture in Iran;

3. Demand the release of political prisoners;

4. Strengthen international monitoring of the human rights situation in the country and secure the immediate resignation of the current UN Secretary-General.

The international community cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people. Silence and diplomatic ambiguity under these circumstances undermine confidence in the very concept of international human rights protection."