5 June 2009

London Meeting: The Baluch Martyrs Day 15 July 2009

Shahmiren Balochaane Roch' 15 July”
“The Baluch Martyrs Day 15 July”

Baloch, like many other nations, in their struggle for freedom and democratic rights have endured great sacrifices. In their endeavour to achieve these aims many have encountered and experienced the wrath of the occupying states. In consequence, many Baloch men, women and children in their struggle for their democratic rights including right to FREEDOM have been treated violently and inhumanly by the military and the intelligence services of these occupying states. The very harsh treatment of Baloch people is well recorded, particularly by states such as Pakistan and Iran. Since their illegal occupation of Balochistan these states have been involved in the systematic imprisonment, torture, abduction and execution of Baloch. Currently thousands of Baloch are missing from Pakistani occupied Balochistan; tens of thousands have been displaced. Similarly hundreds of Baloch have been executed by the Iranian regime in Western Balochistan and several are on death row waiting to be executed.

In tribute to sacrifices of the Baloch Martyrs the Baloch community in London have decided to hold a day of remembrance for these victims. The 15th of July of every year is the date designated for the purpose of remembrance, to make sure that their sacrifice for our freedom and our nation has not been lost in vain.

The day is nominated for “Martyrs of Balochistan and Victims of State Terrorism.” On this day there will also be an exhibition of pictures, names, and a brief description on the background of each victim.

The actual day that this Remembrance Day will take place in London is on Sunday 19th July 2009. The Remembrance Day starts from 12 noon to 5pm at:

THE CENTRE FOR POLISH ART AND CULTURE

238 – 246 KINGS STREET, HAMMERSMITH

LONDON W6 0RFClosest Tube station: Hammersmith Station.

We wish to request from all Baloch from Eastern, Western Balochistan or elsewhere to assist us to e-mail pictures, names or any other information regarding the Baloch martyrs and victims of state terror to the following E-mail addresses:

fmbaluch@gmail.com

balochetawaar@yahoo.com

This is a public exhibition and we would like you to encourage your friends and relatives to visit this exhibition.

Balochistan: The Key To Regional Security

Event coinciding with 11th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva (UNHRC) will address human rights violations and propose solutions to simmering tension and conflict in key region straddling Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Event coinciding with 11th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva (UNHRC) will address human rights violations and propose solutions to simmering tension and conflict in key region straddling Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 04, 2009 - Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) in partnership with Interfaith International and Baloch representative Mr. Noordin Mengal, will host an event to discuss the deteriorating human rights violations in Baluchistan during the 11th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva on Monday, June 8 from 16h00 (TBC).
Balochistan is a region that makes up 44% of Pakistan's territory but also straddles Iran and Afghanistan. The region is exceptionally rich in natural resources which has encouraged exploitative domestic and external intervention. Speakers at the event will include influential Baloch leaders, security and human rights experts and representatives of Permanent Missions to the UN, each of whom will contribute to discussions of the present situation in the region and possible solutions.
The session, entitled Self-Determination in Baluchistan-its Relation to Regional and Global Security will discuss the repeated human rights violations of the Baloch, a minority community who have been politically and economically marginalized by the Pakistan government. These violations include indiscriminate use of force against civilians, targetted killings and the disappearance of political activists and journalists. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are said to have been displaced across province boundaries into Sindh and Punjab and state boundaries into Afghanistan, underlining the regional and international nature of the problem.
The kidnapping of American citizen and head of the UNHCR in Balochistan, Mr. John Solecki in February of this year brought the attention of the international community to this region but the subsequent killing of three men who were members of the committee that secured his release is evidence that international attention must now turn to international action.
This event will allow assembled leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the current situation, raise awareness of the complexity to the problem, and begin to develop possible solutions to the existing regional turmoil and instability.

The Life Of Recent Detainees In Zahedan In Serious Danger.

According to reports from the activists in BHRAA, the Islamic Republic of Iran still continues arresting people and spreads terror, horror and fear in Zahedan, even several days after Zahedan ��Imam Ali�� mosque bomb attack. Some of local reports[1] suggest that more than 100 persons have been arrested.
The most recent report obtained by our reporters in Zahedan suggests that the security police forces arrested more than 25 baloch in Zahedan on Sunday 31 of may 2009 and transferred them to yet an unknown place. These detainees include people a) who were admitted to the ��Khatm-ul-ania�� hospital in Zahedan because they had been beaten by the pro-regime ultra-conservative groups, b) the relatives to the wounded while were visiting them.
Furthermore, the reports suggest that the relatives dare not address any investigation on what happened to their family members, since they fear for their own destiny.
Ali Mohammad Azad, the Sistan and Balochistan county mayor confirmed the mass-arrests, annonced via Isna News Agency [2] and said that certain ��wahabi and salafi�� groups in this county who play with the feeling of ��shiites�� have been identified or are about to be identfied. Azad announced furthermore that they will be put to the trail after the presidential election.
Bahram Nouroozi ( the deputy general to Rasul-e-akram military center) confirmed the mentioned news in Isna news agency [3] as well and suggested that the persons who were arrested serve as spies for the forign states, and they will be put to trail soon.
Finally, as annonced in the pro-regime news agencies, the regime executed 3 baloch who already had been sentenced, while their executaion was linked to the recent mosque [4] bomb attack.
The official annoncements made by Ali Mohammad Azad and Bahram Nouroozi, taken into account, we in BHRAA have reason to believe that the mentioned detainees are in serious danger, and we fear for their destiny. Therefore we would like to draw all international human rights watch groups� and the international society�s attention to our concern and urge you to call the regime for unconditional stop for further violation of human rights in Balochistan.
Balochistan Human Rights Activists Association (BHRAA) / Radio Balochi FM
http://bhrw.blogspot.com/
2009-06-01[1]
http://taptaan.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post_9248.html
[2]http://sb.isna.ir/mainnews.php?ID=News-23745
[3]
http://sb.isna.ir/mainnews.php?ID=News-23748[4]http://www.hammihannews.com/news/4004Source: http://www.radiobalochi.org/BH_Rights/BHRAA_janeDastgirshodaganeAkhireZahedanDarKhatarAst_eng090601.html

Mine fields increased in Minorities’ areas of Iran‏

Iranian government have increased the number of minefields in South West, Mid West and South East Iran, as well as expanding the minefields which are already there. Minefields in these areas are some of the largest minefields in the Middle-East and include one of the largest minefields in the world, which has more than 20 million mines. The minefields have been left following 8 wars between Iran and Iraq[i].

The Iranian Government have not yet signed the Ottawa Treaty, which includes the following declaration: “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction”[ii]. 158 countries have signed the Ottawa Treaty so far.
According to sources inside Iran, the government are planning further minefields despite their misleading propaganda which talks about decreasing the number of minefields.
Almost every week somebody becomes the victim of a mine; mainly women and children. Many archaeological sites belonging to minorities have been damaged by minefields, as Government try to wipe out their ancient background. There is also a policy inhibiting the return of indigenous farmers to these areas. The demography of the area is behind Iran’s policy to increase minefields.
IMHRO is very concerned regarding the expansion of minefields in Iran. The problem is not only mines; it is also Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and in particular, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), left behind following war and military maneuvers made by the Iranian army. Many children playing in these areas are at risk of being injured by unexploded ordinance.
Between September 2008 and April 2009 at least 250 people have become victims of minefields, most of them women and children. Local media are banned from reporting mine-related casualties.
Ahwaz
New minefields have added to the large number of minefields already present following 8 wars between Iran and Iraq. The government has only cleared up the minefields in areas surrounding new oil fields that are being developed.
Policy of no return of farmers to their land in Ahwaz area is blamed for not acting to clear up of minefields. (I’m not sure about the policy so don’t know how to re-word this bit)
Azerbaijan
New minefields are being developed alongside the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Minefields increased in new oil development.
Baluchistan
Number of minefields has increased in the areas of Narmshir and Pir Sooran. The Government have been using drug smugglers and armed rebels as an excuse for expanding the minefields. Government also continue to block the news of mine-related casualties from Baluchistan.
Kurdistan
In the Mid and North West there are new minefields. Many villages have suffered casualties and the Government deliberately do not clear up minefields in Kurdish areas. Ghasreh Shirin, Mehran, Dehloran, Sumar, Dashteh Zahab, Azgaleh, Nousood, Baneh, Sardasht, Asbeh Shiler and Mariwan cities are among the areas most highly affected by minefields. Turkmen Sahara
Many people living in rural areas are affected by and become casualties of minefields. Minefields have increased around farms and ports.
Export of mines
Not only has the Iranian Government not stopped the increase of minefields inside Iran but they’ve also increased the illegal export of mines to Afghanistan and Iraq. They have supplied mines to terrorist groups in Afghanistan[iii] and Iraq. The export of mines to African countries has also been reported.
Background
One of the big issues for minorities in Iran who live alongside the border is being surrounded by huge minefields. Despite more than 20 years having passed since the end of the last war, the Iranian government continues to delay clearing minefields and instead have increased minefields, using security as an excuse for not taking action. Iran is a producer of mines. It has been recently reported that landmines made in Iran were found in Afghanistan[iv]. Afghanistan is one of the biggest victims of minefields in the world.
In November 2006 the UN group monitoring the arms embargo on Somalia reported shipments of arms including landmines from Iran to combatants in Somalia in violation of the arms embargo on the country. The November report states that on 25 July 2006 an aircraft carrying arms, including an unknown quantity of mines, from Iran landed at Baldogle airport and was met by senior members of the Courts Union and the Dayniile Islamic Court. The type of mine, antipersonnel or anti vehicle was not specified.[v]
Action
Please write an appeal to UN Mine action bodies and ask them to call on Iran to clear their minefields of mines and UXO. Ask that they halt the increase and expansion of minefields. We urge you also to write to the Iranian government to show your support for Minorities, voice your concerns and ask for mine clearance in Minority areas.
Please send your appeal to:

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
Two United Nations Plaza,
6th Floor,
New York, NY 10017,
USA
United Nation Development Programme (UNDP)
Mine Action TeamOne United Nations Plaza,
20th Floor, New York,
NY 10017,
USA

United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
United Nations,
Room S-3170,
New York, NY 10017,
USA

Supreme leader of Iran
Sayyed Ali Khamenei
E-mail via web site
http://www.leader.ir/

United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsMs. Navanethem (Navi) Pillay
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10,
Switzerland

4 June 2009

Western Balochistan: serious human right violations reports against the Iranian authorities

Report by Reza Hossein Borr:
“25 Baluch have been killed and hundreds of Baluch people have been arrested since Sunday in Zahedan. Dozens of shops that belonged to the Baluch people have been completely destroyed. The security forces are searching a large area of Zahedan house by house. Anybody who wears Baluchi clothe is searched and possibly arrested. There are security forces everywhere”.

According to reports from the activists in BHRAA “the Islamic Republic of Iran still continues arresting people and spreads terror, horror and fear in Zahedan, even several days after Zahedan ‘’Imam Ali’’ mosque bomb attack. Some of local reports suggest that more than 100 persons have been arrested.The most recent report obtained by our reporters in Zahedan suggests that the security police forces arrested more than 25 Baluch in Zahedan on Sunday 31 of May 2009 and transferred them to yet an unknown place. These detainees include people a) who were admitted to the ‘’Khatm-ul-ania’’ hospital in Zahedan because they had been beaten by the pro-regime ultra-conservative groups, the relatives to the wounded while were visiting them.

Furthermore, the reports suggest that the relatives dare not ask any investigation into what happened to their family members, as they fear for their own safety and destiny”.

Henry Newman of www.guardian.co.uk, writes “Iran, embarrassed by the attacks in Zahedan, has been quick to act. Less than 36 hours after the mosque bombing, three rebels were executed following a rushed trial. The judiciary head of Sistan-Baluchistan has been keen to stress that due process was observed but this trial and previous trials of terrorist suspects have been criticised by human rights organisations. In the case of the Zahedan bombing, statements regarding the trial, the plot itself and even the numbers affected are divergent, even contradictory.

The bombings highlight ongoing ethno-religious tensions within Iran and across the broader region. Despite the attempts of Iranian officials to deflect attention onto external scapegoats it is clear that there are serious domestic problems: the country's integrity is not yet in real danger but the Islamic regime and Iranian society at large must seek a more equitable accommodation for its diverse population”.

Referring to the Baluch activists, political parties and media The London based Baluch analyst Mr Hossein Borr complains that perhaps media and political parties from Eastern Balochistan are not taking the tention in Westersn Balchistan as seriously.

He asks “Can anybody explain why the Baluch activists, political parties and media in different parts of the world and specifically in East Balochistan are silent about the mass arrests and killings of Baluch people in the last few days in Western Baluchistan”? He further writes “This is a very defining moment in our history. The Baluch people want to know who is working to achieve the rights of the Baluch people and whole is doing business in politics.

Those who are engaged in politics in every corner of Baluchistan or the world, now face a determining choice which will shape the view of the Baluch people on them. The Baluch people now see with their own eyes, who are working for the achievement of Baluch rights and who are in politics to make a name, find a seat in parliament or in government or benefit from it financially in different ways. This is also a determining phase in the direction of Baluch movement. This is a time to make your stand very clear”. He is optimistic that "The Baluch people will succeed in achieving their rights only if all Baluch intellectuals, political activists, political parties, newspapers and Internet media focus their attention on developments that are taking place right now inside Zahedan. These circumstances are effective test to indicate who is really committed to Baluch cause and who is in politics for financial gains".