Arcdh Arc – Association for Human Rights of Azerbaijanis of Iran "ArcDH"
Geneva, October 1, 2025 — The Association Arc has raised grave concerns about the ongoing economic and cultural marginalization of Azerbaijanis and other minority communities in Iran during the 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Speaking under Agenda Item 9 on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, the ArcDH representative stated that “hardship in Iran is being borne by Azerbaijanis and other minority nations,” pointing to systemic poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation across Azerbaijani provinces.
According to ArcDH, the Iranian government’s exploitation of natural resources—including gold, copper, forests, and water—has left the Azerbaijani regions impoverished, with no reinvestment or development programs benefiting local populations. Industries have reportedly relocated elsewhere, worsening economic decline and leaving young people without prospects for a stable future.
The organization also emphasized the deteriorating humanitarian and social conditions: rising poverty and hunger, high school dropout rates due to financial hardship, continued violations of women’s rights, and environmental and health crises affecting communities near Lake Urmia. Frequent disruptions to electricity and water supplies were also cited as evidence of neglect and discrimination.
At the root of these challenges, ArcDH noted, is the systematic denial of education in the Azerbaijani mother tongue, which it described as a core element of cultural suppression.
ArcDH called on the United Nations to take concrete steps by documenting these issues and expanding the mandate of its fact-finding missions to include the situation of Azerbaijanis and other minority nations in Iran.