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| Baquer and Siamak |
Dear Friends,
On behalf of myself and my entire family and my dad I wanted to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible and unconditional support of the UNICEF family.
This nightmare was unleashed on my family over 5 years ago. I recall vividly in the initial days that my dad was arrested i was desperately and in utter panic trying to find a way to contact UNICEF, then find a way to rally support and then find a way to make this into public and sustained support. This all seemed an impossible task to me at the time as I had no idea who i should contact.
Yet unbeknownst to me at the time, hundreds of UNICEF colleagues had already and immediately rallied having heard the unbelievable news that someone like my dad has been arrested.
I remember so well the call I got on the second day that my dad was taken at one of my lowest periods... My dad taken, Siamak already in prison for a few months and feeling very alone. And then, the call, that "Babak we finally reach you.!" "Who is this?" i ask.. "Its from UNICEF!" Its the executive director, Tony Lake and many many more.The feeling of security that engulfed me and my mom is indescribable.
It turns out that hundreds of you, from all over the world had already rallied, including the leadership of UNICEF with your unconditional support. How comforting it was to hear the words that we are with you, whatever you need, until the end. And this was not just words, it has been action after action after action all these years. Be it from the private engagement of hundreds of you, the multiple public statements of support by UNICEF for my dad, the incredible social media campaign and the amazing and super emotional global recognition of my fathers unjust arrest on the first and second anniversary with the wave of colleagues around the world posting free Baquer.
And most recently this amazing campaign and letter you all willingly signed on to. It was such collective efforts that finally resulted in my dad's release from prison back in February 2018.
The regular calls with all of you, including Tony during his tenure, Tom coordinating everything, and so so so many of you all the time.
So while its two simple words, know that it comes from the bottom of our hearts, loudly and emotionally...THANK YOU! You have helped us navigate through extremely difficult times.
I am convinced that we will get my dad and brother out soon. I can't wait for they day that you all gather around my dad and i would be included knowing so many of you. I would be standing extremely proud, being among such fine loving people whom i call my family.
I also wanted to let you know that the letter had tremendous impact in Iran and in my view with Iranian authorities. It has been widely reported by the Iranian media and its credibility is unquestionable given that it involved so many of the non political UN family, from all over the world. Know that this has had a great impact and for that we are grateful.
Warmly and respectfully,
Babak
This nightmare was unleashed on my family over 5 years ago. I recall vividly in the initial days that my dad was arrested i was desperately and in utter panic trying to find a way to contact UNICEF, then find a way to rally support and then find a way to make this into public and sustained support. This all seemed an impossible task to me at the time as I had no idea who i should contact.
Yet unbeknownst to me at the time, hundreds of UNICEF colleagues had already and immediately rallied having heard the unbelievable news that someone like my dad has been arrested.
I remember so well the call I got on the second day that my dad was taken at one of my lowest periods... My dad taken, Siamak already in prison for a few months and feeling very alone. And then, the call, that "Babak we finally reach you.!" "Who is this?" i ask.. "Its from UNICEF!" Its the executive director, Tony Lake and many many more.The feeling of security that engulfed me and my mom is indescribable.
It turns out that hundreds of you, from all over the world had already rallied, including the leadership of UNICEF with your unconditional support. How comforting it was to hear the words that we are with you, whatever you need, until the end. And this was not just words, it has been action after action after action all these years. Be it from the private engagement of hundreds of you, the multiple public statements of support by UNICEF for my dad, the incredible social media campaign and the amazing and super emotional global recognition of my fathers unjust arrest on the first and second anniversary with the wave of colleagues around the world posting free Baquer.
And most recently this amazing campaign and letter you all willingly signed on to. It was such collective efforts that finally resulted in my dad's release from prison back in February 2018.
The regular calls with all of you, including Tony during his tenure, Tom coordinating everything, and so so so many of you all the time.
So while its two simple words, know that it comes from the bottom of our hearts, loudly and emotionally...THANK YOU! You have helped us navigate through extremely difficult times.
I am convinced that we will get my dad and brother out soon. I can't wait for they day that you all gather around my dad and i would be included knowing so many of you. I would be standing extremely proud, being among such fine loving people whom i call my family.
I also wanted to let you know that the letter had tremendous impact in Iran and in my view with Iranian authorities. It has been widely reported by the Iranian media and its credibility is unquestionable given that it involved so many of the non political UN family, from all over the world. Know that this has had a great impact and for that we are grateful.
Warmly and respectfully,
Babak
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