FODASUN Hosts 5th Annual Summit on Future of Peace, Human Rights in West Asia

The conference brought together domestic and foreign institutions from six countries to address critical regional concerns.

The in-person event, commemorating International Human Rights Day, welcomed dignitaries including Stefan Priesner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iran; Mohsen Ghanei, Head of Development and Human Rights Treaties at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Amirsaed Vakil, Attorney at Law and Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran's Faculty of Law and Political Science.

In the virtual part of this conference, nine speakers from eight countries – UK, France, Netherlands, Austria, Uganda, Egypt, Lebanon, and Iraq – offered insights. Livingstone Sewanyana, the United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, was among the keynote speakers.

Prior conferences witnessed active engagement from universities, international bodies, and prominent figures like Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, and Kazem Gharib Abadi, Secretary of the High Council for Human Rights, alongside scholars, ambassadors, UN entities, and parliamentarians from diverse nations.

The Foundation of Dialogue and Solidarity of the United Nations, an Iranian-based non-governmental organization, champions regional and global peace, promoting dialogue, fostering tolerance, and advocating for human rights protection.

Stefan Priesner addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of International Human Rights Day, acknowledging the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He underscored the progress in establishing an extensive international framework to safeguard human rights, albeit against the backdrop of prevailing crises worldwide, particularly in the Middle East.

Priesner contextualized the present-day challenges, reflecting on the historical context post-World War II when nations sought a foundation for lasting peace. He emphasized the intrinsic connection between peace and human rights, addressing global violations while acknowledging the evolving landscape of human rights law and ongoing debates on emerging domains like environmental and technological rights.

Touching upon the Gaza situation, Priesner echoed the UN's call for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure essential provisions for the Gaza population.

Regarding the UN's engagement in Iran, Priesner highlighted the enduring collaboration since 1950, outlining the focus areas within the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This framework targets public health management, socio-economic resilience, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and drug control, complemented by humanitarian efforts supporting Afghan refugees.

Priesner reiterated the UN's commitment to leaving no one behind, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups, aligning interventions with the principles of inclusivity and human rights.

He emphasized the interdependence of peace, human rights, and inclusive sustainable development, aligning with the UN's commitment to transform human rights into tangible realities globally and regionally.

“In the spirit of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration, let us all use today’s event to step up our efforts, to translate human rights into reality in the life of every child, woman, and man around the globe and the region,” he added.