US FOUNDATION FOR LIBERTY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Iran: People’s Struggle for Liberty, Democracy, Women’s Rights
The Iranian regime supports international terrorism and is committing gross human rights violations, evident by the violent crackdown of peaceful, anti-government demonstrations in 2009 and the suppression other peaceful acts of protest.

The resilience of the Iranian people in the face brutality, especially since the June 12, 2009 uprising, has inspired not only Iranians, but all in the global community who share their desire for “universal” values of freedom, justice, and democracy. The resistance of women, youth, and students in Iran and the people’s desire for change is rooted in over a century of struggle for democracy.

The ongoing protests across Iran and the escalating international sanctions foretell of a relatively rapid disintegration of the existing theocracy in Iran and the start of irreversible changes in favor of democratic solutions for Iran.

The US Foundation for Liberty and Human Rights is seeking funding for its Voice for Liberty project to help expand the programs and the outreach of Simay-e Azadi (Visage of Liberty) satellite television channel.

For the past three decades, the Iranian people have endured unspeakable torture, repression, imprisonment, and economic calamity under the current theocratic regime. Through systematic censorship of the media inside Iran, the regime has tried to deny millions of Iranians with access to uncensored and unfiltered news about the outside world. In his report to the United Nations General Assembly in October 2016, the UN Secretary General expressed particular concern about “the persistent pattern of arbitrary arrests and convictions of journalists and online activists. As of March 2016, at least 47 journalists and Internet users were reportedly imprisoned in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

This situation has created a serious need of the Iranian people to access outside news sources and outlets. Simay-e Azadi was established to respond to this need and has served as a trusted news outlet both inside and outside the country. It has become a reliable, popular, and credible source, giving voice to the aspirations and dreams of Iranians everywhere.

Its operations rely on the help of hundreds of volunteers around the world, mostly intellectuals, writers, artists, journalists, and activists trying to act as a bridge and conduit for awareness. Simay-e Azadi is funded by donations from its viewers and other interested individuals only and not advertising. The principal funding vehicle is telethons held three to four times per year, which invite viewers to call and make contributions to enable the Channel to continue its be raised in order to expand programing, broadcast outlets and viewership within the country.

The extensive number of news reports and programs from inside Iran and the exiled community reflects this Channel’s rapid pace of growth and popularity. Thousands of reports and letters regularly received by Simay-e Azadi show that Iranians have embraced it as their most reliable source for information. This campaign is an effort to continue to build on the previous successes of Simay-e Azadi and inform the Iranian people about important developments across the globe which affect their daily lives

Resettlement in another country is often the only way political refugees have a chance to rebuild their lives. Every year, thousands of Iranians escape the wrath of the dictatorial regime in Iran. The flow of political refugees from Iran spiked in mid-80s and again after the June 2009 popular uprising in Iran. Escaping medieval oppression, these political refugees, mostly students and mostly women, routinely depart Iran without adequate documentation, financial resources, or shelter. These dissidents face daunting challenges. Apart from the scarcity of basic life necessities, they are often targeted by Iranian intelligence agents in foreign countries and thus need protection beyond that which would normally be required for asylum seekers. Iranian intelligence agents have assassinated several Iranian dissidents abroad. Countless others live in Europe, in bordering Turkey, and beyond under constant fear or isolation.

Refugees fleeing oppression must be protected, cared for, and assisted in the process of transition to and in adjusting to life in democratic nations. The U.S. Foundation for Liberty and Human Rights assists to resettle these individuals in third countries.

Resettlement Programs are in 3 major areas:
Address the Basic and Most-Pressing Needs – We first help political refugees, asylum seekers, and their families by providing basic necessities of life such as shelter, food, and especially health care. We subsequently work to facilitate societal integration, access to education or counsel if necessary. Our goal is to work with humanitarian organizations and host governments to ensure that they become self-sufficient as soon as possible.
Build Support Systems – We assist political refugees during the challenging process of overcoming past trauma in part by providing them avenues of creative expression. As part of this effort, we support cultural events, gatherings, television or internet programming, and sponsor political events if necessary. The goal is to develop and expand their support system both in America and in their home countries whenever possible.
Facilitate Their Voice, Help Refugees Achieve Independence and Self-Sufficiency – Most political refugees, particularly those escaping Iran are often highly educated individuals who wish to remain connected with the broader community of Diaspora and their home country’s opposition movements. The Foundation helps prepare political refugees for emotional/physical recovery followed by long-term success and integration in their host countries. The Foundation therefore offers financial support to credible TV/Internet organizations which can best assist the political refugees in building/expanding their social networks. We will also help them learn how to manage money, understand the financial systems, or re-establish professional credentials