Basic HTML Version
Summer 2017
DEFENDERS
8
Republic establishment, they must never hesitate about realization of citizens’ rights
and freedoms, because it will be a sign of the democratic nature of the political
system and usher the country into a new era of civilization building. At the present
time, we are badly in need of building civilization in the modern times. Iranians
have distanced from their ancient glory since many years ago and it seems that the
sole way, which can get Iran and Iranians back to their ancient grandeur, is all-out
recognition of citizenship rights.
Q: What direct effect can the Charter on Citizens' Rights have
on Iranian citizens?
A: Citizens certainly are the first party to benefit here. If these rights and freedoms
are guaranteed, the quality of life of citizens will certainly improve, because both
material and spiritual aspects of human life will get better. In that case, people’s
dignity will be guaranteed and they will live better lives. Peace and tranquility are
also related to citizenship rights. Wherever rights and freedoms are safeguarded,
violence gradually takes a nosedive, because violence is, in fact, a product of
disregard for human and citizenship rights. If these rights and freedoms are
respected and realized, peace, tranquility, welfare, and development will gradually
show themselves in citizens’ lives.
Q: In conclusion, do you have any last words that may be
necessary to be said in this regard?
A: I, as a teacher, who has spent one decade of his life living and studying in
the West, believe that, unfortunately, when it comes to citizenship rights and
guaranteeing human rights, the Western world has not been a qualified teacher
beyond its borders. I mean, if Americans and Europeans, who have a claim to
advocating human rights, were as serious about respecting human rights in other
parts of the world as they are about respecting rights and freedoms of their own
people, the world would have been in better conditions now. The acme of the
Westernworld’s treachery against the rest of theworldwas emergence of a president
like Donald trump [in the United States], whose first step was against human rights
when he quit the Paris Agreement on climate change. This is true because the right
to development, peace and healthy environment is among the most important of
human and citizenship rights. Therefore, the leader of the Western world, in his
first step, violated one of the most important rights, which is related to the right
of all humans to have a dignified life. As a result, and quite unfortunately, despite
exquisite theorization in their writings and books, in practice, the Western world
has not been a good role model for the rest of the world. Let’s hope that the Islamic
Republic and those in power in this country would pay attention to this void
that exists in the present world and show high tolerance for ensuring citizenship
rights for all Iranian citizens regardless of their religion, denomination, language
and race. In this way, the model of religious democracy could be presented as a
remarkable model for the entire world by providing full guarantees for realization
of citizenship rights of all Iranians.