Statement by the Iranian Canadian Congress on the Problems Created for Mandatory Conscripts  In the past years, anti-Iranian lobbies, along with hardline politicians, have made many efforts to list Iranian military forces on Canada’s terrorist list. In June 2024, the IRCG was added to Canada’s terrorist list.  In the past years, the Iranian Canadian Congress has been the only Iranian Canadian organization to oppose the listing of the IRGC, which represents an official part of the Iranian military, as a terrorist organization.  Along with many Canadian political experts, ICC warned about this unusual political move with unprecedented and unpredictable detrimental consequences for thousands of Iranians, such as those who have served their mandatory conscript service in Iran and those related to them. We have repeatedly warned about these types of warmongering policies, which constitute ever more punishment and sanctions against both Iranians and the Iranian Canadian community.  Numerous problems for Iranian Canadians and applications for Canadian visas has confirmed our concerns in this regard. These cases include undue delays in the immigration processes and, in some cases, the denial of visa applications, resulting in the separation of family members.   Iranian Canadian Congress stands firmly against the continued efforts of the anti-Iran lobby in introducing ever more new laws against the Iranian Canadian community, such as Bill C-350, that will lead to dangerous systemic discrimination against Iranian Canadians and make future peaceful relations with Iran impossible.  The Iranian Canadian Congress instead recommends the following actions:    - Removing IRGC from the terrorist list   - Lifting sanctions against Iran  - Establishing diplomatic relations,   - Providing consular services to Iranian Canadians    These actions advance not only the interests of the Iranian Canadian community but of the broader Canadian society as a whole, and are in line with Canadian values of peaceful diplomacy and embracing unity in our diversity. 

Statement on the International Day of Children’s Rights and the Elimination of Violence Against Women  On this International Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of children and eradicating violence against women. This day reminds us of the systemic inequalities and injustices that disproportionately harm the most vulnerable—women and children—around the world. These interconnected challenges demand collective action from our governments and institutions.  Women’s Rights in Iran  In Iran, women face profound legal and systemic inequalities that deny them basic freedoms and perpetuate cycles of injustice. Discriminatory laws, such as unequal custody rights in divorce cases, deprive women of agency and disproportionately affect their lives. These structural barriers erode women’s dignity and opportunities.  On the other hand, U.S. sanctions worsen human suffering by restricting access to life-saving medications, including treatments for rare diseases; These sanctions disproportionately harm women and children, further marginalizing the most vulnerable.  Global Economic and Systemic Violence Economic violence is the most widespread and harmful form of violence and oppression against women and children. Globally, poverty, labor exploitation, and unequal access to resources deprive billions of their dignity and fundamental rights—including in Iran and even in countries like Canada.  In Gaza, for the past 14 months, women and children have endured unimaginable suffering amidst what can only be described as a genocide. Relentless bombardments and a devastating blockade have claimed tens of thousands of lives and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals. Over 70% of casualties are women and children. The denial of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. Yet, international bodies, including the United Nations, fail to enforce laws that could stop this carnage and protect people.  Let us use this day as a call to action of our governments and institutions to address these urgent needs and commit to building a future rooted in justice, dignity, and equality where every woman and child can live and thrive in peace and freedom.