Civil Society
The First Day of School in Iran: You Can’t Say “That”
At the end of September, children all over Iran begin their first day of school. It’s an exciting time, filled with hope and the promise of new friends and new experiences. For many children it’s also about learning how different the world of the family is fro
Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Stages Sit-In
Arseh Sevom–Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh is protesting her three-year suspension from practicing law with a protest in front of the Iran Bar Association. She has been joined by a number of other dissidents, including Mohammad Nourizad and Mohammad Maleki. So
The State of Human Rights in Iran #UPRIran
At the end of October 2014, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will be reviewing Iran’s record on human rights and its efforts to improve conditions.
Mahsa Shekarloo: Women’s Rights Activist, Internet Pioneer
Arseh Sevom — Mahsa Shekarloo, women’s rights activist, writer and editor, translator and founder of the online feminist journal Bad Jens, died Friday September 5, 2014, […]
The Day I Became a Feminist
Arseh Sevom–Feminism is essentially the idea that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities. “The notion of freedom for men is not reality in Iran as long as women are not equal” Safoura Elyasi writes. She spoke to several Iranian male activists
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Equality Will Prevail
Arseh Sevom — In this exclusive interview with Arseh Sevom editor Mohammad Reza Sardari, human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh discusses the very personal impact of her struggle for equality and justice. She tells of a young son who lost his childhood. “I grew u
Azerbaijan: Re-establishing Civil Society
Arseh Sevom–In part two of Arturo Desimone’s interview with the civil society activist “O” in Azerbaijan, we read about the struggles to create capacity for critically analyzing the actions taken by the government. Education, O, argues is something that cannot
Azerbaijan: Rebuilding Culture from the Ruins
Arseh Sevom — In the first of a two-part article documenting his conversation with Azeri opposition member “O.”, Arturo Desimone uncovers a movement struggling to reclaim its heritage of critical thinking. It does this through education, translations, and soci
Event: Does the #CyrusCylinder Still Speak to Us Today
On October 10, 2013 Hirad Abtahi, first legal adviser of the Presidency of the International Criminal Court, will be speaking to The World Affairs Council of Orange County as part of the panel discussion “Light from the Ancient Past: Does the Cyrus Cylinder St