Charter of

Iranian Writers' Association

In line with the general spirit of its first declaration in 1968 and subsequent statements- "The Stance of the Iranian Writers' Association" (1979), and the "Statement by 134 Writers" (1994)- the Iranian Writers' Association hereby declares its attachment to the following principles:

1. Freedom of thought, expression and publication is the unbounded and inalienable right of all citizens.

This right is not the privilege of any individual, group or institution, and no one may be deprived of it.

2. The Iranian Writers' Association is opposed to any form of censorship of expression, and calls for the elimination of all methods, official or otherwise, that prevent the dissemination, printing and publication of ideas and intellectual works.

3. The Association regards the growth and flourishing of Iran's diverse languages as one of the foundations of the Iranian people's cultural edification, their solidarity and understanding, and it is opposed to any form of discrimination against or impeding of printing, publication or dissemination in all the existing languages.

4. The Association is opposed to monopoly of opinion in the audio-visual and computer-based media, and calls for cultural diversity in this sphere.

5 . It is a writer's natural, human and civil right for his or her works to reach their audience unhindered. The Association regards the freedom of criticism as an equally universal right.

6. While written word is open to criticism and should only be challenged with argument, the Association regards it as its right to comment on and assess the justifiability of any litigation that may be brought against published writings.

7. The Association shall defend Iranian writers' material and moral rights and social dignity, as well as their personal and professional security.

8. The Iranian Writers' Association is an independent body not affiliated to any governmental or other group, society, party or organization.

9. The Association's members shall co-operate with each other while maintaining their personal independence in accordance with the principles stated in this Charter.

10. The Iranian Writers' Association shall co-operate with individuals and institutions in pursuance of the rights, objectives and goals stated in this Charter, provided such co-operation is not in conflict with the Association's principles.

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