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. 

Closing Submissions by Iranian Canadian Congress

Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic
Institutions

ICC President has sent the following letter for the President of The Conservative Party of Canada regarding Mr. Polievre statement in favor of more war and violence in West Asia: 

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) expresses its deep concerns regarding the escalation of tensions in West Asia. Despite ongoing deadly operations by Israel in Gaza, over 100 hostages are still believed to be held captive there.

In these operations, the Israeli government has indiscriminately attacked innocent civilians, resulting in over 41,500 Palestinians killed, more than 95000 people injured, and more than two million people displaced in the last year. This is not to mention the many thousands of additional deaths due to starvation and disease. In the face of an unprecedented level of international outcry and confirmation of Israel’s war crimes by both the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, instead of accepting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has expanded its aggression against Lebanon and has carried out multiple assassination operations, leading to the killing of thousands of additional civilians across the region. The Israeli government has demonstrated its full disregard of many international laws.

In recent days, in retaliation for Israeli aggression — including the killing of a peace negotiator on Iranian soil— the Iranian armed forces carried out a response against military targets in Israel. Since Iran’s response on October 1, 2024, Israeli officials are threatening to once again attack Iran, including by targeting oil refineries, infrastructure, and civilian nuclear program, which is under the inspection and monitoring of the IAEA. Such attacks would have devastating consequences for the Iranian people and could expand the conflict into a regional war, endangering the lives of millions of Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other citizens of the West Asia.

Considering that thousands of Canadian citizens and their family members live across the region and in the countries impacted by the Israeli government’s military operations, the Iranian Canadian Congress is deeply concerned about these recent escalations. We urge the Canadian federal government to use all diplomatic means available, including rallying the international community, to pressure the Israeli government to accept a ceasefire in Gaza, to stop its aggression toward Lebanon, and to refrain from expanding the war, including against Iran.

The time has come for this genocidal war to come to an end. A just and lasting peace is in the interest of all people in the region and in the interest of Canada and the Canadian people.

(برای مشاهده خبرنامه روی عکس کلیک نمایید)

مصاحبه دکتر آرزو خدیر با رسانه انصاف نیوز 

ICC AGM 2024 President Report

In this article a summary of ICC activities as presented by Dr. Khadir, the current president will be reviewed. The summary was divided into eight sections:

1. Completing ICC Charter and Fine-Tuning Details
2. Opinion Survey
3. Social Activism
4. Art and Culture
5. Human Rights Activities
6. Communication with Members
7. Workshops for the Community
8. Participation in the Commission to Review External Interference in Canada

Completing ICC Charter and Fine-Tuning Details

Dr. Khadir explained the completion of the ICC’s charter and fine-tuning some of the details in the by-laws. The new charter has clearer guidelines. This task was involved many hours of collaboration with Mr. Zabihioun, Dr. Ghaseminejad, and other volunteers. The final document which was crafted after numerous meetings and consultations resulted in having two different membership definitions; members in good standing are now distinguished from others. Those identified as members in good standing refer to members who actively participate and pay their renewal membership fees. Members in good standing are allowed to vote, while others are not. Another added detail was the requirement for members wishing to terminate their membership to submit a written request.

Opinion Survey

The opinion survey took place at the end of 2023. The summary of the survey indicated the following priorities:

1. Social justice and human rights and improving life quality for members.
2. Importance of ICC publications and information dissemination.
3. Continuing ICC’s informative programs on Clubhouse.
4. Workshops designed to help ICC members with various community needs.

The opinion survey further demonstrated that members continue to press and demand actions from ICC regarding:

1. Opening an Iranian Embassy in Canada.
2. Taking an active role in combating discrimination against Iranian students in Canada.
3. Advocating accountability from Canadian politicians on issues concerning the Iranian immigrant community.
4. Cooperating and collaborating with other peace-building and human rights organizations; organizing joint workshops, meetings, and gatherings through joint social activism.

In the last year alone, ICC has issued close to 13 public statements designed to protect the Iranian Diaspora in Canada. These statements were free from political factionalism and were designed to build consensus and solidarity from a human and social perspective against discrimination, in accordance with social justice and peace.

Art and Culture

ICC held a cultural event on March 8th, thanks to Ms. Asoudeh Novin, who organized an online event showcasing Iranian's art from Iran and Canada. Mr. Namdari used these artworks for a New Persian Year calendar as a fundraising effort, which was successful.

Human Rights Activities

Ms. Mona Ghasemi, ICC Vice President, was invited by a Palestinian organization to read a poem by Sepideh Jodeiri as a gesture of solidarity with human rights for the Palestinians and requesting ceasefire.

In line with 269 peace & community organizations in Canada and the global demand for peace and ceasefire, ICC issued a statement. This was followed by Ms. Ghasemi’s 50-day hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Outreach Activities

As a way of mobilizing support for ICC, Dr. Khadir and Mona Ghassemi participated in a New Year bazaar with 11,000 participants.

Dr. Ghaseminejad, Dr. Tarani and Ms. Asoudeh Novin held several Clubhouse discussion groups. The themes of these meetings included ICC's background, the impact of sanctions on the Iranian Diaspora in Canada, challenges faced by Iranian students in Canada, the impact of mainstream and social media on the Iranian Diaspora, issues related to peace, and matters concerning the lives of Iranian Canadians. Other topics included the violation of the Geneva Convention by Israel and its consequences for Iranian Canadians and the prevention of foreign intervention in Canadian politics.

Workshops for the Community

Many members have appreciated Ms.Mona Borgheie’s workshops providing information on various topics ranging from sociology and anthropology (the latter by Mr. Danial Sarvestani) to mental health and immigration (by Dr. Raheleh Tarani). These online live workshops on Instagram have been consistently offered over 24 sessions. Educational tools such as the one on resisting online harassement and the role of media on suicide news, based on teaching tools developed by the United Nations and other international organizations, have been well received.

Participation in the Commission to Review External Interference in Canada

Members have expressed their appreciation for ICC taking the initiative in joining the commission to review foreign interference in Canada. This has been particularly important for ICC members, since other Iranian Canadian organizations had been represented whose position on the matter differed from those of ICC members. The news was well received by members at large as they were pleased that their views were voiced through ICC.

The report of the treasurer of the Iranian Canadian Congress, Mr. Mohammad Vahidi Rad:

The accounting report of the Iranian Canadian Congress was presented to the general assembly by Mrs. Nahid Nasiri.

The election results of changes to the Bylaws and the new board of directors:
At the end, Habib Ghaffari from the Election Committee presented the results of the board of directors elections and changes to the statutes to the assembly:

درباره حملات بی پایه علیه کنگره ایرانیان کانادا 

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا ، از معدود نهادهای دمکراتیک ایرانیان مهاجر است که در آن تصمیم گیری ها از طریق فرایند های دمکراتیک مشخص و قانونی مبتنی بر اساسنامه انجام می شود. عضویت در این نهاد، برای عموم باز و غیرگزینشی بوده و تک تک اعضا با داشتن حق رای مساوی در انتخاب اعضای هیات مدیره و تعیین سرنوشت و جهتگیری کنگره نقش بازی میکنند. 

در طی چهار سال گذشته، گروهی از طریق انتشار انواع اتهامات و اخبار بی اساس در حال گمراه کردن اعضای جامعه نسبت به این نهاد بوده اند. این گروه با زیر پا گذاشتن اصول دموکراتیک،  خواهان تعیین تکلیف دستوری برای کنگره ایرانیان کانادا میشوند. ایشان علی رغم این که در انتخابات برگزار شده زیر نظر دادگاه کانادایی شکست خورده و موفق به ورود به هیئت مدیره این سازمان نشده اند ، همه ساله در زمان نزدیک به مجمع عمومی بصورت دیکتاتور مابانه ای خواهان استعفای مدیران منتخب و قانونی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا میشوند. 

این گروه میتوانند به جای نوشتن بیانیه‌های مکرر، عضو کنگره شوند و با مشارکت فعال در انتخابات و رای‌گیری‌ها، هیات مدیره را تغییر دهند و سیاست‌های جدیدی را اتخاذ کنند. ما از همه اعضای فعلی و آینده کنگره ایرانیان کانادا می‌خواهیم که با احترام به اصول دموکراسی و با مشارکت فعال بیش از پیش در فرآیندهای این نهاد شرکت کنند.  

تنها از طریق مسیرهای دموکراتیک و قانونی است که می‌توانیم تغییرات واقعی و پایدار را ایجاد کنیم و به آینده‌ای روشن‌تر برای جامعه ایرانی در کانادا دست یابیم.