Fears Iran’s internet shutdown could lead to ‘extreme digital isolation’ – BBC

Report on Solidarity Protest for Iranian Community in Bristol

Introduction

Recently, nearly 300 individuals gathered at College Green in Bristol to express solidarity with the Iranian community amid ongoing unrest in Iran. This report highlights the protest, emphasizing the relevance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to peace, justice, strong institutions (SDG 16), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Background of the Unrest in Iran

1. The protests began on 28 December due to a sharp decline in the Iranian rial’s value against the US dollar.
2. Demonstrations escalated into calls for the end of the rule of Iran’s supreme leader.
3. The Iranian government labeled the protests as “riots” supported by foreign enemies.
4. Violent crackdowns have resulted in approximately 3,090 deaths, according to the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency.
5. An internet blackout was imposed on 8 January, severely limiting communication and information flow.

Impact on Families and Community

• Many Iranian expatriates in Bristol, including Kaveh Darafshi and Hamiv Anzabi, have lost contact with their families due to the internet blackout.
• The lack of communication has caused significant emotional distress and fear for the safety of loved ones.
• Protesters in Bristol seek to raise awareness and support the fundamental human rights of Iranians, aligning with SDG 16’s focus on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Details of the Bristol Protest

• The peaceful gathering at College Green aimed to show solidarity with Iranian protesters and raise international awareness.
• Participants included members of the Iranian diaspora and local community supporters, such as Rachael Bee from an Anglican church in Bristol.
• The protest highlighted the importance of global partnerships and solidarity, reflecting SDG 17.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): The protest underscores the demand for human rights, justice, and an end to violence in Iran.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The solidarity movement supports marginalized communities facing repression.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): International awareness and support are crucial for addressing the crisis and promoting peaceful resolutions.

Conclusion

The Bristol protest serves as a vital expression of global solidarity with the Iranian people amid severe political unrest and human rights violations. It emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation and advocacy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those fostering peace, justice, and inclusive societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses violent government crackdowns on protesters, loss of lives, and restrictions on internet access, all relating to peace, justice, and institutional transparency.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The protests are driven by economic grievances such as the sharp fall in the Iranian currency’s value, indicating economic inequality and social unrest.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The loss of 3,090 lives due to violent responses to protests highlights concerns about health and well-being.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The imposed internet blackout affects communication infrastructure and access to information.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • International attention and solidarity protests abroad show global partnerships and awareness.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements (related to internet blackout).
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.1: Achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average (related to economic grievances and currency devaluation).
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents (extended here to reducing deaths from violence).
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 (contrasted with internet blackout).
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 16 Indicators
   • 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • 16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of the population and the total population.
3. SDG 3 Indicators
   • 3.6.1: Death rate due to road traffic injuries (used as proxy for violent deaths in this context).
4. SDG 9 Indicators
   • 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
   • Implied indicator: Availability and accessibility of internet services (affected by blackout).
5. SDG 17 Indicators
   • 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bbc.com