The systematic apartheid of the Iranian regime against the Kurdish people is a grave human rights issue that demands urgent international attention.

Introduction

The Kurdish population in Iran has faced decades of systematic discrimination under successive Iranian governments. This article explores the nature of this apartheid-like treatment, focusing on political, social, economic, and cultural marginalization. It highlights how the Iranian regime’s policies violate international human rights norms and perpetuate a cycle of repression and inequality.

1. Historical Context

The Kurds in Iran, primarily residing in the western provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan, have a long history of marginalization. Despite being one of the largest ethnic minorities in Iran, the Kurds have been denied basic rights and freedoms, and their cultural and political expressions have been severely restricted[1].

2. Political Marginalization

a. Denial of Political Representation

The Iranian regime has consistently suppressed Kurdish political movements. Kurdish political representation in Iran is severely restricted. Kurdish political parties, such as the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) and Komala, have been banned, and their members have faced imprisonment, torture, and execution[2]. The Revolutionary Courts, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, have been instrumental in carrying out death sentences against Kurdish activists on charges such as "waging war against God" and "corruption on Earth"[2]. Their leaders frequently targeted by Iranian intelligence services. Kurds are often excluded from holding key governmental positions, further entrenching their political disenfranchisement.

b. Criminalization of Activism

Political activism by Kurds is met with harsh repression. Kurdish activists, journalists, and human rights defenders are frequently arrested, imprisoned, or even executed on charges of “enmity against God” or “separatism.” Iran’s Revolutionary Courts are notorious for conducting unfair trials and issuing severe punishments.

3. Social and Economic Discrimination

Kurdish culture and language have been systematically repressed. The use of the Kurdish language in education and media is heavily restricted, and Kurdish cultural events are often banned or disrupted by authorities[1]. This cultural suppression aims to assimilate the Kurdish population into the dominant Persian culture and erase their distinct identity.

a. Economic Marginalization

Kurdish regions in Iran are among the most economically deprived areas in the country. Iran’s Kurdish regions, particularly in the provinces of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, and Kermanshah, suffer from chronic underdevelopment. The government has neglected these regions in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and education[1]. High unemployment rates and poverty levels are prevalent, exacerbating the sense of disenfranchisement among the Kurdish population.

b. Targeting of Kolbars

Kolbars, Kurdish cross-border laborers, are frequently targeted by Iranian security forces. Accused of smuggling goods, many kolbars are shot on sight, despite carrying out this dangerous work due to economic desperation.

c. Discriminatory Resource Allocation

The Iranian government allocates minimal resources for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in Kurdish-populated areas. Many towns lack access to clean water, electricity, and modern healthcare facilities, contributing to a deteriorating quality of life.

4. Cultural and Linguistic Suppression

a. Banning of Kurdish Language

Despite being home to more than 10 million of Kurds, Iran does not officially recognize Kurdish as a language of instruction in schools. Teaching in Kurdish is prohibited, and attempts to promote Kurdish culture through media or literature are often met with censorship.

b. Suppression of Cultural Celebrations

Kurdish cultural celebrations, such as Newroz and other traditional festivals, are frequently monitored or restricted by Iranian authorities. Public gatherings celebrating Kurdish identity are often dispersed by force, further stifling cultural expression.

5. International Legal Violations

a. Human Rights Violations

Iran's treatment of its Kurdish population violates several international human rights treaties to which it is a signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and torture are common practices used to silence Kurdish dissent[3]. The execution of Kurdish political prisoners continues at an alarming rate, despite international condemnation[2].  These agreements oblige Iran to respect minority rights, cultural freedoms, and the right to political participation.  

b. Failure to Recognize Minority Rights

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have repeatedly called on Iran to end its discriminatory practices against the Kurds and other ethnic minorities[1][3]. However, the Iranian regime has largely ignored these calls, continuing its repressive policies unabated.

Iran’s refusal to recognize the Kurdish people as a distinct ethnic and cultural minority contradicts the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and related international norms on the protection of ethnic minorities.

Conclusion

The systematic apartheid of the Iranian regime against the Kurdish people is a grave human rights issue that demands urgent international attention. The ongoing political repression, cultural discrimination, economic marginalization, and human rights abuses highlight the need for sustained advocacy and intervention to protect the rights and dignity of the Kurdish population in Iran. Despite international legal frameworks designed to protect minority rights, Iran’s Kurds continue to face severe discrimination. Addressing this issue requires sustained international pressure, robust advocacy from human rights organizations, and a genuine commitment to minority protections under international law.

[2]: The Conversation [1]: Amnesty International [3]: UNPO

References

[1] Iran: Human rights abuses against the Kurdish minority

[2] Despite UN warnings, Iran’s execution of Kurds and political dissidents ...

[3] Iran's Human Rights Abuses Against Minorities Highlighted in UPR Report