How to Help Protestors in Iran
Due to massive internet blackouts in Iran and the Islamic Republic severely limiting social media access, international awareness of these protests has been slow to spread. Iranians on the ground have been using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to bypass these restrictions to the internet so that they can continue posting about these protests and keeping the world updated on this ongoing revolution.
These internet crackdowns put in place by the Islamic Republic have robbed Iranians of their voice, which means they need the rest of the world to be their voice for them. If you do one thing to provide help to the protests in Iran, let it be this—talk about it. Ask questions and educate yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up or participate in this movement. As global scrutiny of the protests intensifies, so does the mounting pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Due to U.S. sanctions against Iran, we can’t send money directly to the protestors in Iran. However, here are some notable and reputable organizations that you can donate to:
The Iranian Diaspora Collective—Because mainstream media coverage has been lacking, this coalition of writers, artists, journalists and professionals of the Iranian diaspora seek to invest donated funds into “purchasing advertising (billboards, print media, and digital media) in high-visibility locations.” This will enable them to “accelerate and extend the momentum related to the women-led protests in Iran.” Currently, the IDC is working on “Connectivity Is a Human Right”, which is an initiative to Keep Iran Online by increasing on-the-ground VPN service, supporting the progress of VPN technology, and facilitating innovations in tech infrastructure that will circumvent internet shutdowns in the future. Help Keep Iran Online and create global visibility for what’s going on in Iran by sending a donation.
The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI)—The whole purpose of this organization is to protect and fight for human rights in Iran. They will use funds to document and research all incidences of human rights violations that take place in Iran. You can make a donation here.
The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center—is a non-profit non-governmental non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights and democracy in Iran. They monitor human rights violations in Iran and make them public knowledge by through research, documentation, publishing and public outreach. You can make a donation here.
October 1, 2022 was a day of global anti-Iranian government protests all around the world. This is a powerful time to organize, rally and show support by attending a protest in or near your city. Whether you’re simply driving by the protest and honking your horn in solidarity or you’re designing your own poster and chanting with other Iranians, your presence at a protest is always welcomed and appreciated. Although it’s impossible for everyone at a protest to share the same views, rallying together for a uniting cause is incredibly symbolic (and ultimately healing). Together, we can focus on the task at hand—to support the people of Iran and show them that we have their back.
There are several petitions you can sign in support of bringing freedom and justice to the people of Iran. Help this important petition to the United Nations reach 1,000,000 signatures by signing it here.
The best way to receive up-to-date information about the Iran protests is by following Iranian activists and journalists on social media. Here are a few Instagram accounts to follow:
Iranian Diaspora Collective—an organization dedicated to global visibility for Iran (@iraniandiasporacollective)
Moj—co-founder of the Iranian Diaspora Collective (@moj)
Roya Zahra Rastegar—co-founder of the Iranian Diaspora Collective (@royazara)
Samira Mohyeddin—an Iranian journalist (@smohyeddin)
Style Shah—an Iranian social media influencer & activist—(@styleshah)
1500tasvir—an Iranian activist (@1500tasvir)
Masih Alinejad—an Iranian journalist (@masih.alinejad)
Nazanin Boniadi—an Iranian actress & a member of the CHRI board (@nazaninboniadi)
from: Iran—a feminist coalition of unheard Iranian voices (@from____iran)
