Stories & Voices

Real people. Real struggles. Real change

At the heart of ILA are the stories of those who’ve suffered in silence — and those who refuse to let that silence continue. These voices reflect not only the pain of oppression, but also the strength of community, dignity, and hope.

Amineh:

“My name is Amineh. I came from a family that both my mother and my father were teachers and after the revolution of Iran when I was one year old, my father got arrested and later executed by the regime and after some months my mother and I also got arrested and they sent us to prison. Many families have suffered. We just want freedom. We just want to live normal, like so many others in the world, right at this century. We just want to be free. We don’t know why they do this to us, but we don’t give up and I’m really thankful of you that you are here, I just ask you please, please, please be our voice, please stand with us, because we cannot do it alone.

Davina:

“I have always given to charity and have never known where the money has gone. I feel privileged that the ILA enabled me to save at least 3 people’s lives and that I have been able to meet these people. If you can give a donation to the ILA you will be playing a part in history and helping to establish a safer world for our children and grandchildren. I have found no other charity that can give its supporters so much involvement in all aspects of its work and where you can have direct contact with the recipients of your generosity.”

Sepideh:

“My name is Sepiedeh. I’m 27 years old and currently working as a policy advisor on foreign affairs in the Dutch parliament. I’d like to firstly thank the International Liberty Association for allowing me to represent the voice of the millions of Iranians who are standing up for their freedom.”

Roya:

“My name is Roya and I was born and raised in Sweden. My father fled and escaped Iran because he was politically active in his youth and when he was 16 years old he was arrested and was in prison for seven years. He saw his friends get executed and today, hearing the news of other young girls and boys getting executed by this regime reignites many emotions. All they want is to live freely as students, to walk the streets together without fear, to gain education and be able to do what they love, just as I am. On a final note, I mentioned to you where my name came from, but I didn’t tell you what it means. It means ‘Dream’. We and all Iranian people dream of a free, democratic and wonderful Iran and it is a dream which I am sure will soon be realised.

Peter:

“The injustices we witness across the world are heartbreaking and our governments’ apathy is infuriating, but what has the biggest impact on me is the inspirational attitude of members of ILA especcialy those who have firsthand experience of the dictatorship. Their optimism and perseverance is staggering.”

Elizabeth, 80

Volunteer During the Pandemic

“During lockdown, I was shielding and couldn’t go out. I felt forgotten. Then ILA asked if I wanted to make support calls to others who were isolated. I thought, ‘I’m 80, what could I possibly give?’ But those weekly calls became the best part of my week. I listened. I shared my story. Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried. It reminded me that even a voice on the phone can carry dignity and love. ILA treats every person, regardless of age, like they still matter. That’s rare.”

These stories are not just testimonials. They are reminders that behind every statistic is a person — and that dignity, hope, and healing begin with solidarity. ILA continues to stand beside each voice, each family, and each future worth fighting for.