A common foundation. A practical agenda.
Democracy Forum proposes a structured dialogue between participants in Iran's freedom movement and European democratic institutions, civil society organisations, researchers and citizens. The framework connects shared principles with practical protection, joint policy development and accountable implementation.
The paper is presented as a discussion draft. It does not claim to represent every participant in Iran's diverse freedom movement, nor does it presume agreement on Iran's future constitutional form.
Six commitments for democratic cooperation
The proposed common foundation comprises:
- Equal dignity and citizenship
- Democratic self-government
- The rule of law
- Freedom of expression and association
- Pluralism and freedom of belief
- Non-violence and democratic responsibility
These commitments are intended as standards for open consultation and difficult cases—not as a substitute for democratic debate.
Shared threats, assessed with evidence
The paper identifies repression and intimidation, ideological coercion and political violence, discrimination and dehumanisation, and information manipulation as connected challenges. It stresses that responses must distinguish conduct from identity and protect peaceful criticism, religious commitment, unpopular opinions and lawful protest.
Three areas for joint action
- Shared-values dialogue — structured consultations resulting in a concise statement of agreements and open questions.
- Practical protection of democratic participation — training, resources and referral pathways addressing digital safety, intimidation and responsible communication.
- Joint policy development — focused working groups connecting lived experience, professional expertise and institutions capable of implementation.
A twelve-month cooperation programme
The proposed pilot moves from consultation and participation rules in months 1–3, through shared-priority setting in months 4–6, practical testing in months 7–9, and independent review with a revised action plan in months 10–12.
Success is defined by useful skills, practical protection measures, sustained cooperation and documented engagement with policy recommendations—not attendance or visibility alone.
Accountability and invitation
The framework calls for transparent objectives, funding, governance and evaluation, alongside conflict-of-interest disclosure, a complaints process and careful protection of participant identities. It invites Iranian democratic participants and European partners to develop the proposal together: identify what they share, confront threats with evidence and turn common principles into practical commitments.
