Education in the mother tongue is a fundamental right for all human beings!
Linguistic diversity is an essential element of the cultural identity and spiritual heritage of humanity. Unfortunately, in many countries, including Iran, this diversity is threatened, and the fundamental rights of minorities, including the rights of the Kurdish people, are often ignored.
According to alarming data, nearly half of the living languages in the world are at risk of extinction, resulting in the irreparable loss of knowledge, traditions, and unique perspectives.
We are committed to the fundamental rights of human beings, and we support that every individual, every community, and every nation has the right to learn and study in their mother tongue. Therefore, we address this statement to the Kurdish people and other Iranian nations and ethnicities, inviting them to actively claim their linguistic rights as one of the fundamental human rights. Education in the mother tongue is not only a fundamental right, but it also leads to more effective learning outcomes, enhances self-confidence, and contributes to the preservation of culture and heritage.
We call on the international community to support the Kurds and other national and ethnic groups in Iran in their struggle to ensure their right to education in their mother tongue. It is essential that linguistic diversity be recognized and respected as a cultural asset in Iran and worldwide.
We urge the Iranian authorities to fully respect the linguistic rights of all communities, in accordance with the principles of the Constitution and Iran’s international commitments on human rights and cultural diversity.
On this International Mother Language Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promote and protect the diversity and linguistic rights of people worldwide, including Kurds in Iran. We will continue to work together to create a world where every language is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive in their own language and culture.
February 21, 2024
Kurdistan Human Rights Reporters Center
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
Zagros Human Rights Center
Hana Human Rights Organization
World Kurdish Organization
Kurdistan Tribunal
