We, the undersigned Canadian scholars, artists and writers, feel concerned about the current human rights crisis in Iran. We ask the United Nations to condemn the current coup d'état and support Iranians in their efforts to have a fair and democratic election.

Deeply worried by reports that Iranian paramilitary groups and security forces are firing upon and arresting peaceful civilian demonstrators, we demand that Canada and the international community act now to prevent further violence and bloodshed.

We call on the government of Iran to respect and uphold the right to peaceful protest. We call upon the government of Canada to condemn the Iranian government and ask for an end to violence against peaceful protestors. We also request that the Canadian government urge the international community, especially the UN Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Human Rights Council, to appoint a UN Special Rapporteur to monitor the post-electoral situation in Iran.

This mission should seek to resolve longstanding human rights problems in the country, including the recent arbitrary arrest and detention of student activists and several leading reformists.