The rights of the Ahwazi people in Iran: historical claims, contemporary reality and future prospects

The thesis analyses the conceptual contours of peoples, indigenous peoples and minorities that are relevant to the determination of the rights of the Ahwazi people in Iran. It argues that the international minority and indigenous peoples' rights frameworks do not fit the needs and aspirations of the Ahwazis in light of their historical claims and current grievances and reality. It outlines the systematic violation of Ahwazi rights, drawing on an analysis of their historical experience and contemporary situation. It provides that the situation of the Ahwazis has deteriorated as their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights have been severely violated, suggesting that self-determination under the auspices of international law is an appropriate lens through which to examine their plight. It argues that the historical Ahwazi territorial claims, coupled with human rights abuses, raise the possibility of categorising the Ahwazis under the banner of oppressed peoples entitled to practice the external dimension of the right to self-determination.