Citizen’s Assembly

For the Future of Iran

The protests following the murder of Mahsa Zhina Amini by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s (IRI) “morality police” have evolved into a Revolution as a growing number of Iranians across the nation continue to peacefully demand regime change. Advocates within and outside of Iran are now calling for the development of a transition plan that answers questions about Iran’s future like:

• What might a new government look like for the people of Iran?

• How can Iran transition to a new government peacefully, with minimal chaos and violence?

• Who can lead the transition, preventing a power vacuum vulnerable to opportunism and anarchy?

• How will new rules of law be established that are consistent with the values of the Revolution?

• What mechanisms should be used to execute transitional justice with integrity?

Forming a Citizens’ Assembly now to advocate for regime change and prepare for Iran’s future is necessary to minimize chaos after collapse and a critical symbolic step to garner greater support for the Revolution.

The underlying premise, or North Star, for the creation and function of the Assembly would be: The Iranian people have the right to sovereignty over their own destiny, land, and all its borders and resources, and a commitment  to the fundamental principles of: Human Rights; Democracy; Equality & Diversity; Separation of Religion & State; Rule of Law; Respect & Tolerance; Individual Liberty; Reconciliation; Environmental Sustainability

The structure would initially consist of an 11-member Steering Committee of popular advocates serving as spokespeople, supported by Sub-Committees of experts focused on specific relevant issues, including financial infrastructure, utilities, communications infrastructure, policing, the national military, public health, rule of law, environmental sustainability, transitional government, transitional justice, democratic elections, etc.

Selection criteria for members include:

1. Credible and trusted advocates with proven track records of championing for human rights in Iran;

2. Representatives of Iran’s rich diversity (gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic);

3. Experts in areas imminently important to the well-being of Iranians and the long-term growth of Iran; and

4. Advocates willing to set aside their short-term political ambitions to ensure minimal conflict of interest.

Goals for the Assembly include:

• Serving as the appointed and unified voice of protestors on a global scale and advocating for regime change;

• Developing a transition plan for peace and basic functioning in the immediate aftermath of the Revolution;

• Facilitating the establishment and cooperation of political parties in Iran;

• Advising on the creation of local and national government structures and governance documents; and

• Supporting the implementation and execution of fair and safe democratic elections.