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Persecution of the Baha'i Community

UN decries Iran's "serious ongoing and recurring" human rights violations

The UN General Assembly today expressed “deep concern” over Iran’s “serious ongoing and recurring” human rights violations, decrying abuses that include torture, an increase in executions, widespread restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrimination against minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith.

By a vote of 86 to 32 with 65 abstentions, the General Assembly called upon Iran to stop such violations, to release prisoners of conscience, and to open its doors to international human rights monitors.

UN vote registers "deep concern" over Iran human rights violations

Citing a long list of abuses, a UN committee today expressed "deep concern" over "ongoing and recurring" human rights violations in Iran.

By a vote of 83 to 31 with 68 abstentions, the General Assembly's Third Committee called upon Iran to stop such violations, to release prisoners of conscience, and to open its doors to international human rights monitors.

Launch of Special Report documenting persecution of the Baha'is of Semnan, Iran

The Baha'i International Community has prepared a Special Report documenting the intensifying persecution against the Baha’is of Semnan. [View video featuring interviews with Siovash and Monir Khanjani, natives of Semnan Province].  Located about 200 kilometers east of Tehran in north central Iran, the city of Semnan has a population of about 125,000 people. Among them are several hundred Baha’is from every walk of life and socio-economic class.

"The Baha'is of Semnan" Report documents surge in persecution in Semnan, Iran

A new report from the Baha'i International Community, “The Bahá’ís of Semnan: a Case Study in Religious Hatred,”  [view trailer] documents the dramatic surge in attacks on the small Baha'i community in the Iranian city of Semnan. Representing a microcosm of the rest of the country, Baha’is suffer arbitrary arrests, long imprisonments, arson, vandalism, restrictions on businesses, discrimination in higher education, assaults on schoolchildren, and hate speech from the pulpit.

"Grave concern" over Iran's human rights abuses

Two new high-level reports issued here last week expressed concern over continuing human rights violations in Iran, highlighting intensifying attacks on journalists and human rights defenders and continuing discrimination against women, girls, and minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith.

In his annual report on Iran to the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed "grave concern" over reports of torture, amputations, unfair trials, overuse of the death penalty, and the persecution of minorities,  including Baha'is.

Banned from making their mark

 In practically any other country of the world, a teenage chess champion, a national judo standout and a talented pianist would be valued as contributors to their society.

In the example of three young Iranians, however, being members of the Baha'i Faith has meant a ban on competing and performing at the highest levels.

Judoist Khashayar Zarei, chess player Pedram Atoufi, and pianist Pegah Yazdani are all victims of Iran's systematic policy – spelled out in a government-backed 1991 memorandum – to "block" the progress and development of Baha'is and "deny them any position of influence."

Khashayar's story

The Baha'is of Semnan: A community under fire

A dramatic intensification of persecution of Baha'is in the Iranian city of Semnan has been described as "distinctive and alarming" by the Baha'i International Community.

Dozens of attacks since 2009 against a large number of Semnan's Baha'is have been carried out by officials, semi-official groups, and plainclothes agents. At least 30 Baha'is have been arrested, with several now serving long prison sentences; homes and shops have been targeted by arsonists; and numerous Baha'i-owned businesses have been shut down by authorities.

Baha'i International Community makes a Statement during interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education

At the 20th session of the Human Rights Council, following the presentation of a report by the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, the Bahá'í International Community raised a question concerning the persistent denial of higher education to the Baha’is in Iran.  The Baha'i International Community noted that the persecution against the Baha’is in Iran—the largest religious minority in that country—extends to children and youth. “Thousands of young people who are amongst the brightest students in the country have been unjustly barred from university for over 30 years.  And this, only because of their beliefs,” stated the Representative of the Baha'i International Community.

Concerns about the economic strangulation of Baha’is in Iran expressed by the Baha'i International Community at the Human Rights Council

In its statement to the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, the Baha'i International Community focused on the economic strangulation of Baha'is in Iran and the recent intensification of pressure on Baha'i businesses and business owners. On 28 May, Intelligence Ministry agents raided and sealed two factories, fully or partially owned by Baha’is, in the city of Semnan. One of the factories, which manufactured vertical blinds, employed 51 staff, 36 of whom were not Baha'is. The other, a lens grinding factory, employed two Baha'i and six other individuals.

Factory closures highlight economic strangulation of Iran's Baha'is

A recent intensification of attacks on Baha'i-owned businesses in Iran further demonstrates the Iranian authorities' determination to suffocate the economic prospects of the Baha'is of that country, solely on account of their religious beliefs.

The Baha'i International Community has learned that on 28 May, Intelligence Ministry agents raided and sealed two factories, with full or partial Baha'i ownership, in the central northern city of Semnan. One of the factories – which manufactured vertical blinds – employed 51 staff, 36 of whom were not Baha'is. The other, a lens grinding factory, had two Baha'i and six other employees.

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