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Islamic Republic of Iran – CESCR list of issues

The Baha'i International Community would like to express appreciation to the Committee for having included, in its list of issues, human rights violations that target the Baha'is of Iran.  At this stage, having noted the government’s written reply to the list of issues, we feel that it is essential to raise several points.

Violent attacks against members of the Baha'i community in Iran

Last year, the Baha'i International Community issued a report documenting State-sponsored incitement to religious hatred against members of the Faith in Iran.  Incitement is despicable in and of itself, but even more when it engenders acts of violence that are condoned – if not encouraged – by the government.

Violations against minority religious communities in Iran

The Baha'i International Community welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, which focused this year on violations against religious minorities.

Mr. Bielefeld expressed concern about States that do not respect the rights of individuals who are not adherents of “theologically accepted religions”.  Indeed, human rights cannot be “privileges reserved to the members of certain predefined groups”.

Towards full and meaningful participation of persons living in poverty in shaping processes and structures that impact their lives

The Bahá'í International Community welcomes the decision of the Special Rapporteur to address the right of persons living in poverty to participate in the decisions of society. The idea that every person has a role to play in shaping the processes and structures that impact their lives is now widely accepted and considered by many as a cornerstone of social action.

Empowerment as a Mechanism for Social Transformation

The concept of ‘empowerment’ has become integral to development thought. Though it has often been associated primarily with gender equality, advances in global development will require a re-examination of the concept and its application to many aspects of human life. The following reflections on the goals, protagonists, and prerequisites for empowerment seek to assist the Commission for Social Development in its consideration of this important issue.

Towards the Eradication of Violence Against Women and Girls

The epidemic of violence and discrimination against women and girls is once again on the global agenda. The efforts of governments, civil society organizations, and individuals at the local, national and international levels have led to the development of legal and institutional frameworks to protect the rights of women and girls and have called attention to the culture of impunity within which violence against women is often tolerated and even condoned. 

Beyond Balancing the Scales: The Roots of Equity, Justice and Prosperity for All

As deliberations about the Post-2015 development agenda gain momentum, it is becoming indisputable that the future we want is not a bisected world of haves and have-nots. The effects of social inequalities are apparent on all sides: apathy, alienation, social unrest, violence and the erosion of trust between individuals and the institutions of governance, to name but a few. The vitality and legitimacy of any vision of development rests on the degree to which it embodies the highest aspirations of the world’s peoples and the extent to which they play a role in its articulation.

Over thirty years of systematic persecution of the Baha'is in Iran

For over 30 years the Baha'i community has been suffering constant persecution at the hands of the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This has been amply documented in numerous United Nations reports, by the Secretary General himself, the Special Representatives on Iran, and those Special Procedures that visited the country when they were still allowed to visit (although Iran has supposedly issued a standing invitation to all special procedures, it has been 7 years since a visit has been allowed). The persecution is included in the report of the Special Rapporteur on Iran, Dr.

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to education

Mr. Singh,

In your report, you speak about inequality and discrimination against ethnic and linguistic minorities.  However, in some countries such as Iran, non-recognized religious minorities are also denied the right to education.

Oral statement to HRC 20th Session

Madam President,

To our great regret, the Baha'i International Community has to raise, at each session, the gross violations perpetrated against the Baha'is of Iran. Unfortunately, despite its claims in Council plenary or at UPR, the Iranian government totally ignores recommendations made by other governments and UN Special Procedures – whether these come from the Special Rapporteur on Iran or the thematic mandates that it pledges to value.

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