On Monday the 5^th of May 2008, a meeting took place between 6 students from the Political Science Institute of France and representatives from the UNA-IRAN. The meeting started with the guests introducing themselves and their spokesperson continued introducing the Institute, “Our Institute was founded last year. Its main objective is regional studies and the raising of awareness of Middle East issues, and in general the expansion or regional studies. We chose Iran this year, and one of the aims of this current study is to see the organization and function of the civil society in Iran. When we arrived in Tehran we went to the International Relations College of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we were warmly welcomed. We also had a number of meetings in Tehran with Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mr. Mohammadi, the director of the Centre for Human Rights Studies of Tehran University Ms. Nasreen Mosafa, the director of the Law and Science College of Tehran University Dr. Karimi, among others.

While introducing himself and UNA-IRAN, the preseidnt of the UNA-IRAN went on to explain the objectives, activities and programmes of the Association in Iran. “One of our main objectives is to bring the diverse cultures and views of western countries closer together with developing countries with regards to the concepts of human rights. One of these concepts is the terrorism debate which has different viewpoints among different countries. We do our best to bring viewpoints closer together, just as one of the main objectives of WFUNA and therefore all UNAs in different countries is to bring cultures closer together.” The president of UNA then commenced on briefing the activities of the Association in Iran and abroad.

A number of questions were asked by the visiting French students which are as follows:

Q: How are you linked and associated to the Iranian government?

A: UNA-IRAN is a nongovernmental, nonpolitical and independent institution, and is not in association with the Iranian government and or international organizations. But we do have good relations and links with governmental and nongovernmental organizations. For example the budget for some of our projects is provided through the signing of contracts and agreements with governmental, nongovernmental and international organizations.

Q: How is your budget provided?

A: First of all the project proposal is drafted, and then it is sent to various sponsors and or donors to get the budget. For example the Democracy Culture and the Role of NGOs in Iran project which was drafted by UNA-IRAN a few years ago was sent to various sponsors and ultimately UNA Denmark funded the project.

Q: Is the civil society under pressure from the government?

A: NGOs must receive necessary permits from relevant authorities for their activities. When an organization receives an operations permit, it means that it is operating within the framework of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore no particular pressure is forced by the government. We even try to establish cooperation opportunities with the government. We are not an opposition to the government, nor are we in association with the government. We are alongside governmental nongovernmental organizations and schools at society’s level trying to promote human rights and UN culture.

Q: Are you in contact with universities?

A: Yes. We have strong links with universities and university lecturers, and we benefit from the knowledge of these lecturers and professors in our seminars, education courses and workshops on different fields.

Q: What’s the democratization process in Iran? How long does this process need do you think?

A: This depends of various elements and reasons. One of the reasons is Iran’s present situation. As you are aware Iran is under pressure from western countries for various reasons such as the nuclear issue or human rights. But what is important regarding developing countries, is that just like western countries they need time in order to take gradual steps towards democracy and human rights. We cannot set a date for the democratization process in Iran. The people and the government must learn and get educated. Compared to neighbouring countries, Arab in particular, the situation is relatively better, but still we are far from the true meaning of democracy. The role of NGOs and the civil society in this process is very important. As I mentioned earlier we held the Democracy Culture and the Role of NGOs seminar, which was unprecedented in Iran. These types of activities are crucial for democracy. We also believe that other countries should help Iran in order for the country to reach its objectives and democracy. Applying pressure is not the solution and cannot guide Iran towards democracy. Cooperation and exchange of experiences with other countries is needed.

Changes must be made in the treatment of Iran. Sanctions are not the right way, because it’s the ordinary people that suffer the most because of them.

Q: What challenges and problems is the UNA faced with?

A: The most important issue for UNA is information dissemination of its activities, objectives and the UN System to various groups, people and the civil society. For example we have held numerous courses for teachers, students and journalists with the cooperation of various UN Agencies. As for Islamic values, as I said before, they are not seen as a challenge but we try to find a bridge between Islamic values and international standards. To this aim we have tried to bring closer ideas and trends, particularly with holding colloquium with religious leaders and scholars, where we provided information on international mechanisms and international issues such as human rights. We attempted to show them that the international order is not confronting Islam but can indeed help the people and Islam.