Meta: Respect Iranian Human Rights – Include the Lion and Sun Flag Sticker/Emoji

The Issue

 This symbol has deep cultural roots in Iran's pre-1979 history and is widely used by Iranians today, especially in light of recent events. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have already updated their Iran flag emoji to the lion and sun in response to user demands and ongoing protests. Meta, however, sticks to official national flags and has policies around sensitive symbols that could lead to moderation issues, such as hiding or restricting emojis in certain contexts (e.g., related to conflicts or hate speech). Despite this, there's precedent for platforms adding historical or cultural variants based on user 

 

 Petition Title:

We ask Meta to Add sticer or emoji the Historical Iranian Lion and Sun Flag as a Sticker/Emoji on All Platforms in Honor of Iran's National Revolution

 

 

Petition Description:

Meta Platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) currently excludes the historical Iranian flag featuring the lion and sun (Shir-o-Khorshid) from its collection of flag stickers and emojis. This ancient symbol, rooted in Iran's rich cultural heritage for centuries, was the national flag before 1979 and represents unity, strength, and Persian identity for millions of Iranians worldwide.

 

In 1404/2026, Iran witnessed a profound national revolution—a movement for freedom and human rights that united people under this very flag. Tragically, it came at the cost of over 50,000 lives, with countless more enduring imprisonment, torture, and exile. This revolution was not just a political shift; it was a reclaiming of Iran's true spirit, rejecting oppression and embracing a future of dignity and respect. Yet, Meta's platforms fail to acknowledge this symbol, forcing Iranians to use alternatives that do not reflect their history or aspirations.

 

Human rights are universal, and symbols like the lion and sun flag embody the struggle for self-determination and cultural preservation. Organizations like the United Nations and Amnesty International emphasize the importance of respecting cultural identities in the face of repression. By omitting this flag, Meta inadvertently disrespects the sacrifices of those who fought for change and silences a key part of Iranian expression. Other platforms, such as X, have already responded to similar calls by updating their Iran flag emoji to the lion and sun, showing solidarity with the people.

 

We call on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the company to:

- Add the lion and sun Iranian flag as an official sticker and emoji across all platforms.

- Ensure it is available without restrictions, recognizing it as a cultural and historical symbol, not a political tool.

- Commit to consulting with Iranian communities and human rights experts to avoid future oversights.

 

Sign this petition to demand that Meta honors Iran's heritage, supports human rights, and gives Iranians the tools to express their identity freely. Together, we can make our voices heard—Javid shah! 

 

Why This Petition Matters:

- Target:Meta Platforms, Inc. (Mark Zuckerberg, CEO)

- Goal Signatures:Aim for 10,000+ to gain traction—share on social media with hashtags like #AddLionAndSunFlag, #MetaForIran, #IranRevolution2026 #kingrezapahlavi

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APetition Starter

2

The Issue

 This symbol has deep cultural roots in Iran's pre-1979 history and is widely used by Iranians today, especially in light of recent events. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have already updated their Iran flag emoji to the lion and sun in response to user demands and ongoing protests. Meta, however, sticks to official national flags and has policies around sensitive symbols that could lead to moderation issues, such as hiding or restricting emojis in certain contexts (e.g., related to conflicts or hate speech). Despite this, there's precedent for platforms adding historical or cultural variants based on user 

 

 Petition Title:

We ask Meta to Add sticer or emoji the Historical Iranian Lion and Sun Flag as a Sticker/Emoji on All Platforms in Honor of Iran's National Revolution

 

 

Petition Description:

Meta Platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) currently excludes the historical Iranian flag featuring the lion and sun (Shir-o-Khorshid) from its collection of flag stickers and emojis. This ancient symbol, rooted in Iran's rich cultural heritage for centuries, was the national flag before 1979 and represents unity, strength, and Persian identity for millions of Iranians worldwide.

 

In 1404/2026, Iran witnessed a profound national revolution—a movement for freedom and human rights that united people under this very flag. Tragically, it came at the cost of over 50,000 lives, with countless more enduring imprisonment, torture, and exile. This revolution was not just a political shift; it was a reclaiming of Iran's true spirit, rejecting oppression and embracing a future of dignity and respect. Yet, Meta's platforms fail to acknowledge this symbol, forcing Iranians to use alternatives that do not reflect their history or aspirations.

 

Human rights are universal, and symbols like the lion and sun flag embody the struggle for self-determination and cultural preservation. Organizations like the United Nations and Amnesty International emphasize the importance of respecting cultural identities in the face of repression. By omitting this flag, Meta inadvertently disrespects the sacrifices of those who fought for change and silences a key part of Iranian expression. Other platforms, such as X, have already responded to similar calls by updating their Iran flag emoji to the lion and sun, showing solidarity with the people.

 

We call on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the company to:

- Add the lion and sun Iranian flag as an official sticker and emoji across all platforms.

- Ensure it is available without restrictions, recognizing it as a cultural and historical symbol, not a political tool.

- Commit to consulting with Iranian communities and human rights experts to avoid future oversights.

 

Sign this petition to demand that Meta honors Iran's heritage, supports human rights, and gives Iranians the tools to express their identity freely. Together, we can make our voices heard—Javid shah! 

 

Why This Petition Matters:

- Target:Meta Platforms, Inc. (Mark Zuckerberg, CEO)

- Goal Signatures:Aim for 10,000+ to gain traction—share on social media with hashtags like #AddLionAndSunFlag, #MetaForIran, #IranRevolution2026 #kingrezapahlavi

avatar of the starter
APetition Starter

The Decision Makers

Donald Trump
President of the United States

Petition Updates