Manifesto
The Democratic Association of Iranians - Venice bases its activities on a belief in democracy, human dignity, equality before the law, and the right of the people to determine their own destiny, and strives toward the realization of a free, equal, and just society. The association calls for the establishment of a system founded upon the separation of the institution of religion from government, the rule of law, and the free participation of citizens in determining their own future.
Within this framework, the complete actual and legal equality of all members of society, the guarantee of the rights of all ethnic and religious minorities, as well as gender and sexual-orientation minorities, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, thought, association, parties, and the press, are considered essential principles. Respect for cultural and social diversity, protection of the environment, and efforts to realize social justice for all citizens and resident migrants are also among the association’s foundations.
Relying on civic action, awareness-raising, and social solidarity, the association works on the path of transition toward a democratic society based on human rights, grounded in public participation and collective wisdom, and in the rejection of any form of personal or hereditary rule, while providing a platform for the active participation of Iranians in this path.
Objectives and Programs
The Democratic Association of Iranians - Venice organizes its activities in various social, cultural, and political fields with the aim of increasing public awareness, strengthening the discourse of democracy, and supporting civil movements. These activities include holding meetings and enlightening programs concerning developments in Iran, organizing gatherings and civic actions in response to current events, and creating communication platforms among Iranians inside and outside the country.
In order to preserve the cultural, ethnic, social, and gender diversity of Iranian society, the association works to introduce and strengthen the cultural and artistic heritage of different ethnic groups, and supports the rights of all ethnic and religious minorities, as well as gender and sexual-orientation minorities. Furthermore, by establishing relations and cooperation with other Iranian and international civil institutions, organizations, and groups, it works to strengthen solidarity and reflect the situation of Iranian society at the global level.
Other programs of the association include the translation, production, and publication of intellectual and cultural works, support for freedom of expression and thought, and the promotion of secular, democratic values based on citizenship rights. Attention to environmental issues, social justice, and increasing public awareness in these areas also forms part of the association’s activities.
Statute
The Democratic Association of Iranians - Venice is an independent, non-partisan institution based on the will of its members, formed with the aim of strengthening solidarity among Iranians and supporting democratic values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The association organizes its activities in the interest of the people of Iran and within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the related international covenants, and avoids any dependence on parties, governments, and ideological institutions.
Membership in the association is open to all individuals who adhere to the principles and provisions of this statute, provided that they have no affiliation or cooperation with the former regime or with the Islamic Republic. The admission of a new member takes place upon the recommendation of at least two members of the association and the approval of the general assembly. Members are committed to active participation in programs, respect for collective principles, and cooperation in advancing the association’s objectives.
Decision-making in the association takes place through voting among all members, by a majority of the votes of the participants. For amendments to the statute, objectives, and manifesto of the association, resolutions become effective upon receiving two-thirds of the votes of the members present at the general assembly. Every six months, the association elects two executive responsible members and one alternate member by vote in the general assembly. These responsible members are tasked with coordinating activities, following up on affairs, and representing the association, and members are required, within the framework of the statute, to cooperate with them and comply with their executive decisions.
In its collective activities, the association emphasizes coordination, cohesion, and the reflection of common positions, and members, within the framework of the association’s official activities, refrain from presenting personal views that contradict collective positions. At the same time, members may participate in other groups and institutions, provided that such participation does not conflict with the principles and objectives of the association.