About Us

To promote, protect, and advocate for the fundamental rights of Kurdish people and
other marginalized communities across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as in
Kurdish regions of Iran, Syria, and Turkey. We are committed to ending human rights
abuses, advancing political and social justice, and fostering sustainable development
rooted in dignity, equality, and freedom.

Our Story

Kurdistan Human Rights Development (KHRD)

Mission Statement:
To promote, protect, and advocate for the fundamental rights of Kurdish people and
other marginalized communities across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as in
Kurdish regions of Iran, Syria, and Turkey. We are committed to ending human rights
abuses, advancing political and social justice, and fostering sustainable development
rooted in dignity, equality, and freedom.

Vision Statement:
A just and free society in which all Kurdish people and minorities in the region live
with dignity, security, equal opportunity, and full respect for their human rights —
regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or political belief.

Core Goals & Values

Our core goals centre on monitoring and advocating for human rights in Kurdish regions, particularly addressing political imprisonment, freedom of expression, and state violence. We support minorities in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey facing ethnic, religious, or political persecution. We campaign for the release of political prisoners and provide legal and psychological aid to victims and their families. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, we promote development through education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment while working with local partners to strengthen civil society and democracy. We focus on empowerment through leadership and civic education, especially for women, youth, and marginalised communities, and train activists to build resilient advocacy networks. Through cross-border solidarity, we amplify Kurdish voices globally, collaborating with international NGOs and media to expose abuses and advocate for justice. Our work is grounded in the values of justice, freedom, dignity, solidarity, truth, and peace.

Meet The Team

Hazher Ghadery
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Hazher Ghadery is an Iranian-Kurdish human rights advocate, born in Baghdad in 1995. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the American University of Iraq–Sulaimani and a master’s degree in the same field from Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Throughout his career, Hazher has been a champion for the rights of marginalized communities across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. His work centres on defending minority rights, promoting democratic values, and fostering social development, with a particular focus on Iranian Kurdistan.

Hazher is actively engaged in addressing urgent human rights issues, including the systemic targeting of Kolbars (border couriers), the execution of political prisoners, and violations affecting women and children in Iran. He consistently works to bring international attention to these abuses by collaborating with the United Nations, international parliaments, and a wide range of NGOs. Through this global advocacy, he strives to influence policy change and ensure accountability for human rights violations.

Hazher Ghadery is closely tracking the Kurdistan Regional Government’s development plan, which focuses on infrastructure growth, education reform, and economic diversification. He follows the region’s initiatives to advance women's rights, including increased political participation and legal protections against gender-based violence. He also monitors efforts to promote and preserve cultural heritage through support for the arts, literature, and historical preservation. Through this work, Hazher Ghadery highlights the KRG’s progress toward building a more inclusive and culturally rich society.

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Lukman Aliassi
Co-Founder & Chairperson

Lukman Aliassi is a committed human rights activist with a strong focus on advocating for the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in Iran, particularly the Kurdish nation. With a deep dedication to democracy, equality, and justice, Lukman has actively participated in multiple sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where he has consistently raised awareness about the challenges facing marginalized communities under authoritarian governance.

Currently a student at HES-SO Geneva, Lukman combines academic pursuit with grassroots activism, striving to be a voice for the voiceless on international platforms. His work focuses on promoting democratic values, human dignity, and the rights of oppressed groups, including ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities in Iran.

Lukman is known for his powerful advocacy, thoughtful engagement in global human rights discussions, and unwavering belief in the right of all peoples to live in freedom and dignity. His efforts continue to amplify the struggle of the Kurdish nation and other disenfranchised communities seeking justice and self-determination.