Introducing the PDP: An Unprecedented Resource on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 by admin admin

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has long been a shadowy force, with its operations largely hidden from the international community. Its influence on Iran and the broader Middle East has been both profound and destructive. Now, after two years of intensive research, the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP) is launching an unparalleled resource that seeks to bring transparency to the IRGC’s activities. This project marks the culmination of extensive work involving thousands of documents and the identification of key IRGC units and personnel alongside a legal analysis of incidents attributed.

Available at www.iranpdp.org, this database provides unprecedented access to detailed information on the IRGC.

Origins and Purpose

Founded by Human Rights Activists (HRA), the Pasdaran Documentation Project was established to shed light on the structure, operations, and influence of the IRGC—a state within a state in Iran. The IRGC’s activities have not only shaped Iran’s political landscape but also contributed to widespread human rights abuses and violations of international law.

The project’s core objective is to identify the IRGC’s personnel, units, and key players as a step toward dismantling the regime’s power structure. By exposing the individuals and entities involved in abuses across decades, the project helps create a roadmap for judicial and quasi-judicial accountability, including international targeted sanctions, and state-led prosecution under international law.

The project’s underlying philosophy stems from the belief that public awareness—and open-source accessibility to underlying information—is the key to change. For decades, the IRGC has operated behind a veil of propaganda, with many Iranians and global observers unaware of its extensive illicit activity. This project intends to break this cycle by offering transparent, accessible, and meticulously researched information on the IRGC’s structure and activity.

Research Methods and Technological Innovation: NALA

In the project’s first phase, the structure and chain of command were created through an in-depth analysis of books derived from Iran, first-hand accounts, open-source data, and more. This comprehensive research would not have been possible without a pioneering technological solution developed by HRA.

HRA has designed an innovative software called NALA, a multilingual research facilitation tool specifically created to enhance data analysis and streamline content discovery. NALA processes data in multiple languages, identifies key themes using custom keyword lists, and retrieves relevant material with precision. Its advanced filtering system minimizes errors and saves time, making it an indispensable tool with sustainable applications that extend far beyond its original purpose. The integration of NALA into the PDP has enabled a level of depth, accuracy, and efficiency that would otherwise be unattainable.

The Importance of Identifying the IRGC

Understanding the IRGC is critical not only for those directly affected by its actions but also for the global human rights community. The IRGC was established in 1979 to protect and export Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Over time, it has morphed into a militarized and economic juggernaut with unparalleled influence over Iranian politics, military actions, and regional affairs. Its tentacles reach far beyond Iran’s borders, impacting conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen and extending its ideological and military support to Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

What makes the IRGC particularly dangerous is its multifaceted approach to control—using both brute force through its military wing, the Quds Force, and soft power through an intricate web of economic, political, and media influence. It has committed or facilitated endless human rights violations, including torture, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and the repression of political dissent.

The Pasdaran Documentation Project’s Capabilities and Tools

At the heart of the Pasdaran Documentation Project is its public-facing website, a powerful tool that offers an in-depth look into the IRGC’s operations. This online database will be the first of its kind, providing easily accessible and verifiable data on the IRGC, including:

Detailed Profiles of IRGC Units and Personnel: The PDP has compiled over 90,000 profiles on the IRGC’s units and personnel, ranging from high-ranking commanders to mid-level operatives. These profiles outline the responsibilities, activities, and, when available and thoroughly investigated by our legal team, crimes committed by each unit or individual. Researchers, journalists, policymakers, and legal experts can use this data to track the IRGC’s operations across various domains. At the website’s initial launch, many profiles remain partially complete and will be filled with detailed information over time.
Dynamic Charts: One of the most unique features of the PDP website is its interactive tools, which visually represent the IRGC’s chain of command from 1979 to the present.
Searchable Databases: The website offers a powerful search function, enabling users to filter data by region, type of activity, or individual names or units. This allows for targeted research into specific members or units of the IRGC.
Human Rights Violations and Violations of International Law: The PDP has recorded a range of human rights violations attributed to the IRGC, including incidents of torture, unlawful detentions, forced confessions, and more. This section also covers the IRGC’s role in suppressing civil unrest, particularly during the 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022-23 protests, during which numerous civilians were killed or arbitrarily detained. At the website’s initial launch, the PDP had documented at least 100 individual incidents, which are currently under review and available for public examination. Twelve of these incidents have been fully reviewed in accordance with human rights and international law.
Partnerships and Collaborations: HRA has collaborated with international criminal lawyers and other civil society organizations ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data. These partnerships also enable HRA to present strategic reports on legal accountability pathways, presenting potential avenues for bringing IRGC members to justice in several emblematic circumstances. These publications are forthcoming.

Why This Project Matters: Objectives and Broader Impacts

The Pasdaran Documentation Project is more than just an archive—it is a living resource designed to empower activists, policymakers, and legal experts. By providing open access to verifiable data, the PDP will serve as a cornerstone for human rights advocacy and lay the groundwork for initiating investigations into the IRGC and its members for future prosecutions.

More to Come

The Pasdaran Documentation Project is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand or challenge the IRGC’s power. HRA encourages human rights activists, legal experts, and policymakers to explore the website, use its tools, and help shine a light on the IRGC’s activities. By working together, we can build a future where the IRGC’s influence is curbed, and justice is served.

For media inquiries, detailed reports, or additional information, please contact us at [email protected]. The PDP team is available for interviews, in-depth briefings on methodology and contents unveiled, and to assist in the preparation of news reports and background understanding regarding the IRGC.

This is just the beginning. The work of exposing the truth and ensuring justice continues as PDP is updated daily with new information.

HRA Unveils Groundbreaking Report on Iran’s Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflicts

Posted on August 14, 2024September 23, 2024 by admin admin

In a groundbreaking publication today, Human Rights Activists (HRA) has released an extensive report detailing Iran’s longstanding practice of recruiting the economically disadvantaged segments of society, including asylum seekers, immigrants, and using child soldiers in armed conflicts. The report particularly spotlights the exploitation of Afghan minors within the Fatemiyoun Division. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on a series of violations of international humanitarian law and international children’s rights, revealing the depth of Iran’s involvement in the recruitment, training, and deployment of children in combat zones.

The primary focus of this report, prepared by Spreading Justice (a database of human rights violators), the Pasdaran Documentation Initiative, and the HRANA news agency, is on the use of children—specifically individuals under 18 years of age—in war zones, who are predominantly of Afghan nationality and, to a lesser extent, Pakistani.

Purpose of Publishing the Report:

Promoting Transparency and Accountability: This report also aims to encourage transparency and accountability regarding the recruitment and use of child soldiers. By conducting a thorough analysis of Iran’s recruitment networks, training centers, and the roles played by various institutions and commanders, HRA seeks to ensure that those responsible for these violations are held accountable.

Unmasking the Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations: The primary aim of this report is to unmask the systematic exploitation of vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on Afghan immigrants and minors, by Iran’s military and paramilitary forces. Through detailed accounts, testimonies, and evidence, HRA endeavors to bring to the forefront the realities of these practices that have long been shrouded in secrecy and obfuscation.

Encouraging International Action and Dialogue: This report aims to spur international action and dialogue on the urgent issue of child soldiers.It calls for a united global effort to address and mitigate the factors driving the recruitment of child soldiers, advocating for policy reforms and the implementation of protective measures in line with the principles of international humanitarian law and children’s rights.

Through this report, HRA not only highlights the grave injustices experienced by child soldiers but also provides a roadmap for change, urging all stakeholders to commit to protecting the most vulnerable in conflict zones.

Executive Summary: A Deep Dive into Iran’s Recruitment of Child Soldiers

HRA’s report is a comprehensive analysis that exposes Iran’s systematic recruitment and exploitation of child soldiers, particularly focusing on the use of Afghan minors within the ranks of the Fatemiyoun Division, a paramilitary group fighting in Syria under the auspices of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This investigation is the result of meticulous research, including interviews with former child soldiers, analysis of recruitment tactics, and examination of the training and deployment processes.

Key Findings of the Report:

Systematic Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers: The report exposes Iran’s long-standing practice of systematically recruiting child soldiers, a practice dating back to the Iran-Iraq War and persisting through its involvement in the Syrian conflict. It details how Iran targets vulnerable populations, particularly Afghan refugees and immigrants, many of whom are minors, coercing them into military service with promises of financial rewards or legal residency.

Violation of International Laws and Conventions: The HRA’s findings reveal Iran’s egregious violations of international law, encompassing both International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. Despite its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which prohibits the use of children under 15 in hostilities, Iran has been documented recruiting children as young as 14. This flagrant disregard for international norms extends to Iran’s failure to adhere to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on child soldiers and Customary International Law. These actions highlight Iran’s blatant disregard for its international commitments and the urgent need for accountability.

Inadequate Training and Preparation: The investigation details the insufficient and hastily conducted training provided to these child soldiers and other recruits, often lasting only three to four weeks. The training primarily focuses on combat tactics rather than imparting a comprehensive understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This lack of proper training not only exposes these children to immense danger on the battlefield but also contravenes the principles of IHL, which Iran is obligated to teach its armed forces.

Exploitation and Coercion: The report exposes the exploitation and coercion inherent in Iran’s recruitment practices. Testimonies from former child soldiers and other former members reveal a troubling pattern of manipulation, where minors and individuals in precarious visa situations are coerced into combat roles under threats of violence or death. Promises of financial compensation and legal status made to them are consistently broken.

High Casualty Rates and Lack of Support: One of the most harrowing findings is the disproportionately high casualty rates among the Fatemiyoun Division’s child soldiers. Testimonies and data point to instances where a significant amount of child soldiers were deployed in combat operations with minimal support, resulting in significant loss of life and injury. Furthermore, the report criticizes the lack of adequate support for injured child soldiers and the families of those killed in action, highlighting a neglectful and dismissive attitude by the IRGC towards these individuals upon their return from Syria.

Call to Action: In light of these findings, the report urges immediate action from the international community, including the implementation of targeted human rights sanctions for human rights abusers, support from international organizations and non-governmental organizations working on the ground to protect vulnerable populations from recruitment. Emphasizing Iran’s duty to uphold international standards, the report urges Iran to immediately halt its recruitment of child soldiers and to initiate comprehensive measures for the rehabilitation and support of those already impacted by such egregious practices.

The report by HRA is not just a condemnation of Iran’s actions but a plea to safeguard the rights and well-being of children caught in conflicts. By shedding light on these issues, HRA seeks to catalyze global efforts to ensure that no child is coerced into bearing arms and that those who have suffered receive the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Methodological Challenges:

HRA report on the recruitment and use of child soldiers by Iran represents a significant accomplishment, prepared despite considerable security and information challenges. Conducting research in a context where access to reliable data is heavily restricted, and where subjects of investigation face significant risks, required innovative approaches and steadfast determination. The organization’s commitment to uncovering the truth led to the deployment of undercover investigations, extensive interviews with survivors, and collaboration with a network of local activists, all undertaken while ensuring the safety and anonymity of those involved.

The International Community’s Role

The international community cannot afford to overlook the findings of this report. The documented violations have profound implications for global peace, security, and human rights. Addressing the use of child soldiers requires a concerted effort from nations worldwide to:

Invitation to Engage

HRA urges all concerned individuals, organizations, and government entities to engage with this critical issue by reviewing the full report. By understanding the depth and severity of the violations against children in armed conflicts, collective work can be done to safeguard the rights of the vulnerable.

To access the comprehensive report and learn more about the findings and recommendations, please download the full PDF version by clicking on the image below. HRA encourages readers to contact us with any questions, insights, or support for our ongoing efforts to protect human rights worldwide.

The active involvement and support of individuals are instrumental in addressing the use of child soldiers and upholding human rights globally. Collaboratively, efforts aim to contribute to positive change, fostering a safer, more just world for future generations.

Click Here to Download the Full Report in English (PDF)

HRA urges Tippmann Sports LLC to condemn the Iran government’s use of its equipment in the repression of protests

Posted on August 14, 2024September 23, 2024 by admin admin

Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) published an open letter addressed to Tippmann Sports Company, asking this company to condemn the Iranian government’s use of equipment manufactured by this company in repressing Iranian protests. According to the reports and documents received by HRA, the security forces in Iran including FARAJA have widely used paintball guns made by this company in confronting protesters.

ATTN: Tippmann Sports

4230 Lake Ave

Fort Wayne, IN 46815

United States

Human Rights Activists (HRA), a U.S. based non-governmental organization that monitors and reports on human rights violations inside Iran. HRA writes to inform Tippmann Sports LLC that based on the information we have received and other existing evidence, its manufactured paintball equipment (specifically the Model 98 Paintball Gun) has been widely used by the security forces in the repression of unarmed protestors in Iran .

In the last month, the Iranian people have come to the streets to demand their human and democratic rights. In return, the security forces of the Islamic Republic have violently suppressed unarmed protestors. Hundreds have been killed, many more injured, and tens of thousands have been arbitrarily arrested. HRA has reported serious violations of human rights by the security forces of the Islamic Republic, including by FARAJA special units, against unarmed protestors. The acts documented by HRA and others include the killing, including by indiscriminate shooting, injuring, and arbitrary arrest of civilians, including minors.

Iran is under severe economic sanctions by the United States and other democracy-supporting countries. While we are not aware, nor do we claim any malice on the part of Tippmann Sports LLC, and further, have found no evidence that supports claims that the Iranian government has obtained this weapon directly from the manufacturer, it saddens us to see that your equipment, which is designed for games and sports, has been deployed in such a fashion.

HRA urges Tippmann Sports LLC to publicly and strongly condemn the Iranian government’s use of its equipment in the repression of protests, and with this position, stand by the people who are fighting for democracy and human rights in their country. In addition, we request that it considers implementing measures in its future contractual sales that would prevent the sale of this equipment to repressive regimes, namely the Islamic Republic.

Keyvan Rafiee

Director

Human Rights Activists (in Iran)

PASDARAN DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
A Human Rights Activists (HRA) Initiative

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