Iran: 167 academics call for Kurdish Language Law
Shafaq News/ A group of 167 professors and faculty members from the University of Kurdistan in Sanandaj, Iran, has issued an official letter to President Massoud Pezeshkian, calling for the drafting of a law that guarantees the right to read and write in one's native language.
The professors requested that the proposed legislation be submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly for final approval.
In their letter, the academics referenced Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iran ratified in 1966. This article mandates that states with linguistic groups must allow those groups to practice their language freely.
The professors also cited Article 15 of the Iranian Constitution, which grants the right to use regional languages in media and education alongside Persian.
They argued that addressing the needs of linguistic and cultural groups in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Iran would not threaten national security. On the contrary, they said it would promote national unity and reduce social divisions.
This request is part of a recurring annual demand, amidst increasing political and cultural discussions in Iran about identity and the linguistic rights of minorities, particularly the Kurds, who have yet to secure the right to study in their native language.
Estimates suggest that the Kurdish population in Iran ranges from 8 to 10 million, constituting about 10% of the country's total population, although these figures vary due to the lack of official demographic data on ethnic distribution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Parliament divided ahead of post-Eid session
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Parliament is bracing for a tense post-Eid al-Adha session, as lawmakers remain divided over key legislative proposals ahead of the November 11 elections. A political source previously told Shafaq News that factions within the Shiite-led Coordination Framework have tentatively agreed to push a series of amendments, including a new electoral system. The draft would allocate 80% of a party's votes to its top candidate, with the remaining 20% distributed among others—a move intended to consolidate political power and curb vote fragmentation. Lawmakers are also set to revisit stalled bills, including revisions to the Oil and Gas Law and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Law, aimed at reinforcing oversight of Iraq's energy and security sectors. Still, internal rifts threaten progress. Speaking to our agency, MP Mansour al-Muraid, a member of the Energy and Electricity Committee, questioned the timing and political intent behind the legislative push, warning that any law passed now could be framed as a 'partisan win,' further delaying consensus. He expects the electoral reform and other proposals to be postponed until the next parliamentary term. Al-Muraid also downplayed the likelihood of resolving the long-running Oil and Gas dispute, citing persistent friction between Baghdad and Erbil. 'The current political climate isn't conducive to compromise.' Meanwhile, MP Najat al-Taie of the Azm Alliance acknowledged behind-the-scenes efforts to secure quorum when Parliament reconvenes, which could help move select bills forward. However, she noted that only the electoral amendment enjoys broad enough backing for swift passage, while most proposals remain stalled by a lack of agreement. Notably, Azm, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, has emerged as the largest Sunni bloc. It includes influential political figures such as former Parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi, former Deputy Prime Minister Rafi al-Issawi, and the Justice and Benevolence Movement (Harakat al-Adl wal-Ihsan).
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's President in France for UN ocean summit
Shafaq News/ Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid arrived in France on Sunday to attend the United Nations Ocean Conference, where he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron for high-level discussions. The conference brings together world leaders to address marine pollution, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of ocean resources. An Iraqi official familiar with the visit indicated that discussions with the French side are expected to focus on infrastructure initiatives, expanding environmental cooperation, and following up on previously signed agreements. Earlier today, President Rashid emphasized Iraq's interest in strengthening its partnership with France, reiterating a commitment to cooperation across political, environmental, and economic spheres. He also reaffirmed Baghdad's policy of neutrality in global affairs, pointing to strategic partnerships as a means to advance the country's economic reform agenda. The visit follows earlier discussions between Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who met in March to review the $17B Development Road project. The initiative aims to link Asia and Europe through Iraq, with the potential to generate up to one million jobs. Since 2023, Iraq and France have formalized a series of agreements spanning energy, defense, and transportation. Baghdad is currently preparing to host an Iraq–France business forum, an event designed to enhance private-sector ties and attract new investment.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syria: Over 7,000 killed since Assad regime toppled
Shafaq News / 7,670 people have been killed across Syria between December 8, 2024 — the date marking the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime — and June 6, 2025, according to a new report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The report documented 5,784 civilian deaths during this period, including 306 children and 422 women. Civilians made up 75.4% of the total death toll, highlighting a surge in attacks on non-combatants. The Observatory linked the spike in March deaths to a surge in summary executions and retaliatory attacks, particularly along the Syrian coast, where it recorded 1,726 mass killings in that month alone. It warned that ongoing impunity fuels the crisis, arguing that the lack of accountability and unchecked proliferation of armed actors continue to erode any prospects for lasting peace. The report urged the formation of an independent international investigative mechanism to prosecute those responsible and enforce compliance with international humanitarian law, calling for disarmament and tighter security, especially in areas beyond state control.
