About us
The Azerbaijani Human Rights Centre is an independent organisation that documents human rights violations against Azerbaijani Turks in Iran and advocates for justice, equality and dignity.
Who we are
We are lawyers, researchers, journalists, educators and volunteers, inside and outside Iran, united by a single conviction: that the people of South Azerbaijan are entitled to every right set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, without exception and without delay.
We are non-partisan and non-violent. We do not support or oppose any political party or government. We take the side of human rights, and of the people whose rights are violated.
Our mission
To document violations accurately, to defend those at risk, and to bring the situation of South Azerbaijan before international institutions and the public, so that rights denied are rights restored.
Our vision
A South Azerbaijan where every person can speak, learn, work, worship and dissent in freedom; where children learn in their mother tongue; where the land and water are protected; and where no one is imprisoned for who they are or what they peacefully say.
Why South Azerbaijan
"South Azerbaijan" refers to the historically Azerbaijani-populated provinces of north-western Iran, including East and West Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Zanjan, with large Azerbaijani communities in Tehran, Qazvin, Hamadan and elsewhere. Azerbaijani Turks are one of Iran's largest communities. Estimates of their number vary widely because Iran does not publish census data by ethnicity or language.
Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil and Zanjan are ancient centres of learning, trade and art. The region gave the world poets, reformers and constitutionalists. Today its people face systematic restrictions on their language and identity, the collapse of their natural environment, and severe punishment for peaceful advocacy.
Our principles
Accuracy
We publish only what we can verify, and we correct ourselves publicly.
Independence
We accept no funding from governments or political parties, and no instructions from anyone.
Non-violence
We defend peaceful expression and oppose violence from every side.
Safety first
The security of those who trust us comes before any publication.
Universality
Human rights belong to everyone. We defend them for every person in the region, whatever their origin or belief.
Consent
We do not publish a person's story without their informed consent, or that of their family.
Governance and accountability
AHRC is governed by a board that sets strategy and oversees finances, and by a research ethics panel that reviews every major publication before release.
We publish an annual report and audited accounts. Details of our registration, board and financial statements will be listed here.
Registration details to be confirmed
Our team
For the safety of our colleagues and their families, some members of our team work anonymously. Public team profiles will be added here with each person's consent.
Our story
The Centre's founding story, milestones and the names of its founders will be published here.