SPEECH TO INTERNATIONAL LIBERTY ASSOCIATION XMAS PARTY, LONDON.

Saturday 21st December, 2024

As we gather tonight, I am struck by the beautiful coincidence of this season. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Yalda—three celebrations that share the universal message of light triumphing over darkness. All three are being honoured together under this roof. These traditions, born of different cultures and faiths, remind us of the shared values that unite us: hope, renewal, and unity.

In that spirit, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the remarkable volunteers and supporters of the International Liberty Association who are here tonight. It is your tireless dedication, your compassion, and your belief in the power of justice that make this organization what it is. The work you do, the hours you give, the sacrifices you make—they are not just actions. They are acts of defiance against tyranny, acts of hope for those in despair, and acts of love for humanity.

The world we live in today is fraught with challenges, none more so than in Iran, where an oppressive regime continues to deny its people the most basic rights and freedoms. And yet, in that darkness, we see extraordinary courage. Iranian women and young people are standing tall, their voices echoing around the globe as they demand justice, dignity, and freedom. They are the living embodiment of the values we celebrate tonight.

Thanks to your work we have made great achievements in Iran.  At long last UN silence has been broken on the 1988 massacre of up to 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. It took the dedication and exhaustive investigative skills of the former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman. In an explosive report presented to a special conference in Geneva in June this year, Prof. Rehman described the heinous crimes and gross violations of human rights in Iran as a crime against humanity, genocide and possibly a war crime. He said the crimes he had investigated in detail involved murder, destruction, torture, sexual assault, and similar acts against different minority populations and he called on those responsible to be held accountable in the international courts. He said impunity within the Islamic Republic of Iran must end.

That’s why we celebrate the courage of the Iranian people as they fight injustice and tyranny. But courage alone cannot break chains—it needs allies, and that is where your role becomes so vital. Through the work of the International Liberty Association, you amplify the voices of those who risk everything for freedom. You ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten; that their stories are heard, and that the world knows they are not alone.

This year has brought significant developments. The fall of the dictator in Damascus, one of the closest allies of the Iranian regime, is a reminder that no tyranny is eternal. Oppressive regimes may seem immovable, but history shows us again and again that the will of people yearning for freedom cannot be silenced forever. This momentum gives us hope and strengthens our resolve.

Let us also recognize that the work of the International Liberty Association goes far beyond advocacy. It is about building bridges of solidarity, offering practical support to those in need, and keeping the flame of resistance alive. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers who devote themselves selflessly to this mission. You are the lifeblood of this organization, and tonight, we celebrate you.

To the supporters in this room, together, you form a community of light-bearers, united by a shared vision of a freer, more just world. On behalf of all those who cannot be here to thank you themselves, I want to say how deeply your efforts are appreciated.

This season reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light. Christmas celebrates the birth of hope in a humble manger. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of light that endured against all odds. Yalda marks the triumph of longer days and brighter tomorrows. These are not just stories of the past; they are lessons for our present and guides for our future.

So, as we reflect on these sacred traditions tonight, let us renew our commitment to the cause of freedom and justice. Let us remember those in Iran who face unimaginable hardship and let us honour their courage by standing with them unwaveringly. And let us take pride in the work we do together, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to the day when the people of Iran can live in freedom, with dignity and justice restored.

Thank you for your solidarity, your generosity, and your belief in a better future. May this season bring you peace, hope, and renewed strength for the challenges ahead. And may the light we celebrate tonight continue to guide us all.

Thank you.