The Vigil for Iran Human Rights at the United Nations

Feb. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- On February 11, Victory of the Revolution Day, there will be massive street protests in Iran. The Iranian authorities have indicated--through recent executions, wide-spread arrests and draconian threats--their intention to meet the protests with brutal, even lethal, violence. Therefore, the Student World Assembly, Amnesty International USA, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran will hold a press conference as the events in Iran are unfolding. As blood flows in the streets, the international human rights community will announce their response to this new crisis. They will challenge the global community to seize the upcoming opportunity to parlay their outrage into tangible action: the Universal Periodic Review of Iran by the U.N. Human Rights Council will be held on Monday February 15. At the press conference participants will stress the urgency of a robust outcome--a strong report that insists on Iran finally complying with international human rights laws and permitting monitoring by allowing U.N. human rights experts immediate access to the country.

Where: Church Center, 777 UN Plaza
When: Thursday February 11 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

The press conference will be moderated by Yvonne Terlingen, head of Amnesty International's U.N. office. Speakers will include:
o    Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International-USA
o    Hadi Ghaemi, Director of International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran
o    Hamid Dabashi, Iran Expert and Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature,  Columbia University
o    Fereshteh Ghazi, Iranian journalist and former Prisoner of Conscience
o    Bitta Mostofi, Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Where is My Vote-NY

The press conference will be preceded by a vigil held in Ralph J. Bunche park from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

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The Student World Assembly is a non-governmental, non partisan organization created to represent students globally. Students around the world can exchange views, vote on global issues, and translate these views into meaningful actions with SWA's guidance.