Iran

Overview

For over two decades, NDI has supported Iranian activists inside the country to hold the regime accountable where they can, and to prepare Iranians for active roles in public and political life when circumstances allow. The Institute works with Iranian civil society and activists to create spaces where Iranians can safely engage on the political, social, and economic issues that affect them daily. NDI helps Iranian citizens acquire and share the information they need to heighten pressure on the regime by highlighting government transgressions and the diversion of funds to forces that abuse and oppress the people and destabilize the region. Similarly, NDI helps Iranians to bring transparency and accountability into public debate and political life by promoting dialogue and exchange, sharing local and global experiences, and making resources and training on political skills accessible in Persian and other local languages. Collectively, their efforts have led to practical actions promoting greater transparency and accountability based on legally mandated rights, government obligations and transparency principles. Amid brutal regime tactics and uncertainty over the future of the country, Iranian citizens continue to scrutinize government actions and encourage a culture of accountability that reins in pernicious behavior and responds more substantively to citizen needs. Even should the current regime transform or be replaced, a government that protects rights and freedoms for Iranians is not guaranteed; activists need sustained support to assert the imperatives of honesty, accountability and representation.