Helping Justice Prevail: A study of the relationship between agency, activism, and the recognition of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran

This thesis aims to examine the role of the movement for the international recognition of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran, and the impact of their activities on the development of the case within international human rights institutions. When the massacre took place in 1988, international responses were limited, however, nowadays it seems to be receiving newfound attention within human rights fora such as the Human Rights Council. Central to this thesis is identifying how this newfound attention has come into existence. Firstly, it looks at whether it can indeed be established that the massacre is receiving more recognition now, than when it took place 30 years ago. Secondly, it conducts an analysis of the development of the 1988 movement, arguing that the movement was able to influence the recognition through years of professionalization and the exercise of their own agency. Thirdly, it looks at the close interdependence of Iranian activists in exile, and Iranian...Show moreThis thesis aims to examine the role of the movement for the international recognition of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran, and the impact of their activities on the development of the case within international human rights institutions. When the massacre took place in 1988, international responses were limited, however, nowadays it seems to be receiving newfound attention within human rights fora such as the Human Rights Council. Central to this thesis is identifying how this newfound attention has come into existence. Firstly, it looks at whether it can indeed be established that the massacre is receiving more recognition now, than when it took place 30 years ago. Secondly, it conducts an analysis of the development of the 1988 movement, arguing that the movement was able to influence the recognition through years of professionalization and the exercise of their own agency. Thirdly, it looks at the close interdependence of Iranian activists in exile, and Iranian activists who remain inside Iran, attributing the movement’s impact to their close cooperation.Show less

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Helping Justice Prevail: A study of the relationship between agency, activism, and the recognition of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran