In continuation of previous advocacy efforts by UNPO´s member Balochistan, a delegation of the Balochistan Peoples Party (BPP), composed of Messrs. Nasser Boladai and Aziz Dorani, was present in Washington from 18 to 27 November 2013. The goal of their visit was to increase awareness of the systematic human rights violations committed by Iran and Pakistan in Balochistan and to urge USA representatives to speak out against the systematic repression exerted upon the Baloch people.

Thanks to a series of meetings organized by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), the two Baloch representatives engaged in constructive dialogues with members of the US House of Representatives, Senators as well as their advisors and legislative assistants.

Among other things, Messrs. Nasser Boladai and Aziz Dorani explained that Iran is a multinational state comprised of Ahwazi Arabs, Azerbaijani Turks, Baloch, Fars, Kurds, Lors and Turkmen, and that it is home to several linguistic minorities, such as the Mazendarani, Gilani and Talesh speaking people. They underlined the fact that Iran is a country of minorities since none of the different nationalities forms a majority of the whole population.

Messrs. Nasser Boladai and Aziz Dorani also presented their views on the developments in Iran since President Rouhani’s take over, stressing that human rights violations have increased since then. In this respect, Baloch have been particularly targeted, being subject to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

One of the other points discussed was Balochistan ´s geostrategic situation, which is used by some Pakistani and Iranian authorities – especially the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards - to transport drugs across the borders and sell them abroad.

Furthermore, the Baloch delegation called on US House and Senate representatives to:

1. Organize a Congressional Hearing on the situation of nationalities in Iran and on human rights violations committed by Pakistan and Iran in Balochistan;

2. Support the resolution introduced to the US House of Representatives in February 2012, which called for the self-determination of Baloch people;

3. Support the resolution introduced to the US House of Representatives in April 2013, supporting Voice of America to broadcast in the Baloch language.

Some of the lawmakers agreed to give their support and to bring the situation of Pakistan and Iran to the attention of fellow politicians.

(Please find attached a UNPO report on Balochistan and a briefing note on the Balochistan Peoples Party (BPP)).