Dear friends (women/human rights defenders, legal fraternity, academia, media, students, civil society)- I would like to share with you that my recent visit to Tehran was very useful. Following things came in discussion in the symposium and participants individually: Refugee protection in South Asia and South West Asia (Iran, Afghanistan), Alternatives to Detentions, Solution Strategy for Afghan refugees, Protection of Pakistani minorities stranded in Thailand, Iran, Europe, Malaysia and other countries. Protection of Hazara community in Pakistan, Role of UNHCR, refugee law in Pakistan and International Refugee law and its implementation in the region, women at risk. It was really great opportunity to meet Iranian officials and hear them on refugee issues and the role of Irani Government. Besides, had good discussion with Afghan delegation from different provinces of country including Herat, Bamyan, Gazni, Kundoz, and other areas. How do they feel about Pakistan and Pakistani people. What will happen when NATO forces will leave Afghanistan and so many other interesting issues and challenges of migration. Some of them have studied in Peshawer University and love Pakistan regardless of their opinion on role of Pakistan in their internal affairs. I also learnt that there are immense opportunities for Pakistani and Irani students who can learn Shaiah Law, fashion archiect, and so many other things from eachother. I really learnt so many things from UNHCR staff (Thanks Som and others) on Solution Strategy on Afghan Refugees)- It was also good opportunity to meet representative of legal schools and develop informal partnership and seek future opportunities for exchange visits between Iran and Pakistan. First time i had the opportunity to visit Irani society and meet women groups and individuals and do comparative analysis on women empowerment and emancipation. Irani society places strict restrictions on women movement and behaviour but i am of the opinion that women in Iran are much more empowered than Pakistani counter-parts.However Iran is not party to Interntional Convention on CEDAW- Pakistani parliament is full of women but Irani women beats her in empowerment. How women costume is shifting from traditional to modern and despite of criticism on laggings and strict laws on women dress how laggings are sold on shops. Compared treatment of Pakistani refugees in Pakistan with Iran- Tehran is clean, Tehran is peaceful, Tehran is lovely, Tehran offers opportunities to youth and good example of governance. Every night at 9 pm city is cleaned by the municipal workers and the next day all mess is cleared before people wake up Also got a chance to discuss Iran Pakistan, Iran India, Iran USA relationship, It has avenues and bolevarads. Relationship between Masqat and Tehran and increasing role of Iran in the region its increasing influence in Masqat, Syria and other areas previously domnated by Saudi Arabia. Oh yes, it was good opportunity to meet Najiba, an Afghan Hazara girl, who left Afghanistan when she was child, who ended up in Australia and now she is a good development professional, rights advocate, foreign affairs pupil, refugee protection expert and very good speaker and nice girl. I am really thankful for all Irani citizens, agencies, institutions and officials who gave me/us warm reception and individuals friends and families who hosted me. Particular mention deserve is Maryam, Laila, and their family. Irans handicraft, art and great. Their love for their own language and culture is appreciatble. I was thinking that how Iran is important for the world and UN that their ambasador speaks in Persian in UN and Gen Assembly and other envoys listen them WITH KEEN interest through translators. Many confusions, misconceptions, misunderstandings of Irani society and its governance removed. I will be sharing pictures and short write ups on different aspects of Iran through different postings. Finally i apreciate the role of APRRN, its so active team (Anoop, Julia, Jessica, Evan, APPRN Chair Gopal bhai) and Fatima Ashrafi and her organization and HAMI team.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Apr 2014 09:17:46 +0000
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