I participated in the 18th Forum on Minority Issues of the United Nations, held in Geneva from 26 to 28 November 2025. The main theme of the Forum was alignment and commitment to the fundamental principles of the two International Covenants on Human Rights during periods of transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concept note [1] presented by the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Nicolas Levrat, emphasized the role and contribution of minorities in shaping diverse, resilient, and peace-oriented societies. For this reason, the concept note is attached for readers\u2019 information, and its Arabic, English, and French versions are available via the relevant link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In particular, Section 3 of the concept note, entitled \u201cStrengthening the voice of minorities in peacebuilding, accountability, and transitional justice processes,\u201d has direct practical relevance to our work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before each session, expert panels presented discussions, and I have summarized my own takeaways from the topics raised below. Statements by panelists and other participants at the 18th Forum on Minority Issues (2025) are also accessible via source [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theme of the 18th Session of the Forum on Minority Issues<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The introductory part of the 2025 Concept Note of the UN Forum on Minority Issues clearly states that the active participation of minorities in peacebuilding, accountability, and transitional justice is not a symbolic or marginal act, but a fundamental precondition for sustainable peace, coexistence, and genuine democracy. In countries with multi-ethnic and multi-national structures where national minorities have historically faced discrimination, their exclusion from the transition process can render democratization unstable, incomplete, and unsustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iran is a multi-ethnic and multi-national country where various groups \u2014 including Kurds, Baloch, Lors, Arabs, Turks, Turkmens, and others \u2014 have long complained of structural discrimination, marginalization, cultural and linguistic restrictions, and minimal participation in national decision-making. Therefore, any future transition to a democratic system will neither be complete nor sustainable without the meaningful and equal presence of these communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is the participation of minorities in transitional justice vital?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Transitional justice typically consists of a set of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms that countries employ when moving from authoritarianism or conflict toward democracy. These mechanisms include prosecution, truth-seeking, reparations, institutional reform, and guarantees of non-recurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Global experience shows that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, the participation of national minorities in transitional justice is not merely a political choice; it is essential for rebuilding trust and preventing new cycles of violence and discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International principles for effective participation of national minorities<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to international legal literature and documents, meaningful participation of national minorities must fulfill several key principles: Proposed model for the participation of national minorities in Iran\u2019s future democratic transition<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Given Iran\u2019s historical and social conditions, a multi-level model can ensure equal and effective participation of minorities: B) Participation in the transitional governance structure C) Long-term reforms to establish sustainable democracy and prevent recurrence of discrimination<\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenges and solutions<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenges<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A democratic transition will only succeed if the narratives, demands, and rights of national minorities become an inseparable part of the transitional justice process and the future political structure. From the perspective of international standards and global experience, no sustainable transition can take place without the meaningful participation of minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building the future Iran requires a new social contract \u2014 one that regards diversity not as a threat but as a national asset, and is founded on equality, human dignity, and just coexistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Links from the United Nations website:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
a) Building trust, strengthening social cohesion, and removing obstacles to peaceful coexistence
b) Fully recognizing the role of minorities in the economic, social, cultural, political, and institutional fabric of society
c) Amplifying the voice of minorities in peacebuilding, accountability, and transitional justice processes
d) The necessity of equal participation of national minorities in transitional justice and future democracy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n
a) Victim-centered and diversity-centered approach
The suffering of national minorities must not be dissolved into a single \u201cnational story.\u201d Violence, discrimination, and repressive policies specifically targeting national minorities must be reflected in truth-seeking and accountability processes.
b) Genuine participation, not symbolic
Minorities must have a role in designing transitional justice institutions, selecting members, determining mandates, and overseeing implementation \u2014 not merely be given a symbolic seat on committees.
c) Linking transitional justice to structural reform
Successful transitional justice is not limited to punishing perpetrators or publishing reports; it must lead to reform of security, administrative, economic, and educational institutions to ensure past discrimination is not repeated.
d) Inclusion of national minority rights in the new constitution
Transitions are often accompanied by constitutional rewriting; this opportunity must be used to entrench cultural, linguistic, political, and equal participation rights of minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A) Participation in transitional justice institutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Minorities must be able to file complaints as groups, not only as individuals, regarding structural harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n
A successful transitional government must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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A federal, quasi-federal, or regionally empowered model can guarantee real participation of national minorities without endangering territorial integrity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Mother-tongue languages must be recognized in primary education, public media, administrative services, and regional public culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Minority-inhabited regions must not be discriminated against in budgeting, infrastructure development, employment opportunities, and investment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n
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