Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader is Dr Kamyab Givaki of the Scottish Iranian Association.
Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, I thank you for the opportunity to address you today.
As an Iranian-born Scot, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to speak about the challenges that are faced by the people of Iran.
Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian empire, was the first leader in history to recognise the importance of human rights and freedom of religion. He famously freed the Jewish people from captivity in Babylon and allowed them to return to their homeland, setting a precedent for the protection of minority groups. Cyrus the Great’s legacy has endured for centuries and has inspired many people to fight for their rights and for the rights of others.
Last September, a 22-year-old Iranian woman was detained by Iran’s morality police for alleged non-compliance with the country’s dress code. Tragically, she lost her life while in custody, sparking widespread outrage and protests that persisted for months.
When the “woman, life, freedom” movement in Iran began, I was overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness and fear. As I observed events unfold from a distance, I felt a strong sense of duty to act and support the Iranian people as they fought for their rights on the streets. I created a petition advocating for the movement, which gained more than 38,000 signatures, highlighting the widespread support for the cause among people in the United Kingdom. That experience reminded me of the importance of using my voice and reminded me that, by doing so, I could help to echo the voice of the people of my motherland and beyond.
The struggle for human rights transcends geographical boundaries and impacts us all. The Iranian diaspora in Scotland is heavily impacted by the events in Iran, experiencing mental health challenges as a result of the on-going struggle for their families and their motherland, and some have even been threatened by the Iranian Government for their activism. That has led to sleepless nights, anxiety and even panic attacks for many members of the Iranian diaspora. I believe that we in Scotland need to support those who are suffering and to recognise the challenges that they face. We should certainly enhance the quality of life of those living in Scotland, and empower them to live a life of freedom, purpose and hope.
I extend my sincere appreciation for your kind attention and support. Thank you.
Before we move to the next item of business, I invite members to join me in welcoming to the gallery Her Excellency Marie Chatardová, Ambassador of Czechia to the United Kingdom. [Applause.]
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