Who we are

Article18 is a non-profit organisation based in London, dedicated to the protection and promotion of religious freedom in Iran and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians.

Our vision is to see the human rights and religious freedom of every citizen honoured in Iran. We believe that defending human rights is the responsibility of us all, and especially of Christians, who want to play a positive, transforming role in society.

Our History

2008 – 2011

Article18 was founded in 2008 as an independent effort by a number of Iranian Christians active in human rights. Since then, we at Article18 have been helping persecuted Iranian Christians by raising awareness and engaging in advocacy.

2011 – 2017

In 2011, Article18 came under the supervision of the Council of United Iranian Churches, better known as the “Hamgaam Council”, comprised of a number of Iranian churches across Europe, which together form the largest coalition of Iranian churches outside Iran.

2017 – Present

In 2017, Article18 became an independent, non-governmental organisation (NGO) seeking to promote and increase awareness of the right to religious freedom among Iranians.

Testimonial

Quotes are authentic – Some photos and names have been changed

Rev. Dr. Sasan Tavassoli

Pars Theological Centre

“Article18 is a thoughtful voice for the voiceless, and a passionate advocate for the defenceless communities of persecuted Iranian Christians, where the complex issues surrounding religious persecution is addressed with sensitivity and accuracy on various international platforms. I heartily recommend and stand by the ministry of Article18.”

Joseph Hovsepian

CEO, Hovsepian Ministries

As the eldest son of an Iranian martyr (Rev. Haik Hovsepian), I thank God for Article18’s dedication to be a voice for the persecuted Christians in Iran and so passionately fighting for the rights of our brothers and sisters in the region. I wholeheartedly embrace and support Article18 and encourage everyone to get involved.

Homayoon

A remarkable service

“I have been following the work done by Article18 for many years. In my opinion, the work carried out by Article18 is highly impactful, as it helps and gives hope to those who suffer for the name of Christ. I wholeheartedly recommend Article18 because it is an organisation that serves God in a remarkable way.”

Romina

I'm thankful

“We are truly grateful for Article18’s support during our time of persecution. In our stress and fear, we felt heard and cared for—not by an organisation, but by a family. Your prayers, guidance, and actions brought us comfort and helped us move forward with peace. We’ve since seen many blessed outcomes.”

Reza

Thank you

“I want to say to Article18 and all who prayed for me and advocated for my release, thank you and may God bless you and remember you because you remembered me; you did just as Jesus said, as it is recorded in Matthew when He said, ‘I was in prison and you came to me.’ God rewarded those who visited and helped those who were in prison.”

Farhad

Like water to a thirsty person

“You were a great blessing to my family. We can’t find the words to thank God enough for this blessing. Your presence was like bringing water to a thirsty person in a dry desert.”

We draw our inspiration from:

1. The Bible

verses like Hebrews 13:3

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering”

2. The International Law

Article 18 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR-1966)
  • Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
  • No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
  • Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
  • The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.

3. Christian Tradition

Such as Lausanne Covenant (Paragraph 13)

“We pray for the leaders of the nations and call upon them to guarantee freedom of thought, conscience and religion in accordance with the Will of God and as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned and especially for our brethren who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus.”

Press Room

Interview Request

Article18 is your reliable source for news related to religious persecution and violations of Christians’ religious freedom. Our team closely monitors a wide range of domestic and international reports and is available for interviews with media outlets seeking further details about the issues covered on this website.

To gain an overview of the situation of Christians in Iran, please click the link below.

Contact Us
Christians in Iran