Dr. Soraya Fallah’s Call to the International Federation of Social Workers: Take Action for Pakhshan Azizi Social Worker Imprisoned in Iran
I am writing to you in my capacity as a human rights advocate, and campaign mobilizer for global justice, previous member of the International Federation of Social Workers, a researcher, as well as a lifelong supporter of the social work profession. I reach out with deep concern regarding the dire situation of Ms. Pakhshan Azizi, a courageous social worker and civil society activist from Iran’s Kurdish ethnic minority, who is currently imprisoned under grave and unjust circumstances.
Ms. Azizi, a dedicated humanitarian, has committed her life to aiding refugees and vulnerable communities. Since 2015, during one of the most perilous times in the Middle East, she worked tirelessly in Syria’s Rojava region, providing essential support to victims of violence and displacement caused by ISIS. Her work was purely humanitarian, yet Iranian authorities arrested her in 2023 at her family home in Tehran on baseless charges.
Following an unfair trial by a Revolutionary Court, Ms. Azizi now faces a long prison sentence and the threat of execution. Her "crime" was simply fulfilling her professional and ethical duty as a social worker—helping those in need. Instead of being celebrated for her selflessness, she is being punished.
This unjust treatment is a stark violation of human rights and the fundamental principles of social work, including the commitment to human dignity, service to others, and the pursuit of social justice. As an organization that champions these values globally, the International Federation of Social Workers has a unique and critical role in advocating for Ms. Azizi's immediate release.
I respectfully urge the IFSW to:
- Issue a Public Statement condemning the imprisonment and sentencing of Ms. Azizi and calling for her immediate release.
- Collaborate with Human Rights Organizations to bring international attention to her case and exert pressure on Iranian authorities to uphold her rights.
- Mobilize the Global Social Work Community to advocate for the protection of social workers like Ms. Azizi who risk their lives to uphold the values of our profession.
Ms. Azizi’s case is not isolated; it highlights the broader risks faced by many women and social workers in Iran who are unjustly persecuted for peaceful activism and humanitarian service. Standing with her is not only a moral imperative but also a reinforcement of the principles we collectively represent as advocates for human rights and social justice.
Your support can bring hope and tangible change to Ms. Azizi’s dire situation and strengthen the global commitment to protect social workers everywhere.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am confident in the IFSW’s dedication to standing with those who embody the highest ideals of our profession, even in the face of profound adversity.
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Sincerely,
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