Call for general strike against repression in Kurdistan, in solidarity with protesters in Iran
On the tenth day of protests across Iran, demonstrations have continued to expand, particularly in Kurdistan regions, taking on a more organised and sustained character. In line with its long-established pattern of repression, the Islamic Republic has once again responded with violence, with reports indicating a disproportionate use of force in peripheral and marginalised areas.
Over the past 47 years, the Islamic Republic has been responsible for systematic human rights violations and, in numerous cases, acts that may amount to crimes against humanity, committed against a wide range of social groups. Political, religious, and national or ethnic minorities have been particularly affected. Women have been systematically deprived of fundamental rights, while sexual and gender minorities have been criminalised and subjected to persecution.
The Islamic Republic remains a system sustained through structural discrimination, widespread human rights violations, extensive political and social repression, and the deepening of economic hardship and poverty.
At the same time, broad segments of Iranian society demonstrated significant political awareness during the Woman, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) movement following the state killing of Jina Amini. Woman, Life, Freedom should not be understood as a narrowly defined political ideology, but as a collective demand for fundamental rights, dignity, equality, and freedom from all forms of oppression, with particular emphasis on the protection of marginalised communities.
As protests continue to intensify and following the call by Kurdish political parties for a general strike on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Hengaw Organization for Human Rights expresses its solidarity with protesters across Iran and its sympathy with the people of Ilam, Kermanshah (Kermashan), and Lorestan, who have endured severe violence in recent days. Hengaw calls on people across Iran, and particularly in Kurdistan regions, to stand in solidarity with people in Ilam, Kermanshah, and Lorestan who remain under sustained pressure.
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
