BIC statement at HRC48 on hate propaganda against the Baha’i community in Iran

Statements

BIC statement at HRC48 on hate propaganda against the Baha’i community in Iran

UN Human Rights Council – 48th Session, September 2021
Item 9: Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action 

Geneva—5 October 2021

Madame Chairperson,

History shows that hate crimes always begin with words. In recent months, the scale and sophistication of the ongoing campaign of hate-speech against the Bahá’ís in Iran has taken a new turn. 

Indeed, spreading falsehoods has been a central weapon in the Iranian government’s assault against the Bahá’ís since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The goal is to demonize the Bahá’ís and to try to provoke public hatred for the community, thus justifying crimes against them, a very common tactic used by oppressive governments throughout history.

In recent months, the government has further developed its coordinated network, which includes state television, radio, news publications, websites, and various social media platforms and accounts to disseminate disinformation, falsehoods, and accusations aimed at Bahá’ís with the intention of fomenting and spreading hate against them. And in a country where the media is controlled by the authorities there is no doubt that any attack on Bahá’ís in the media has the approval of the Iranian government. 

Incitement to hatred is prohibited under international treaties that Iran itself has ratified.  However, Iran has consistently ignored these obligations. Recently, a global coalition of government officials and prominent individuals showed unparalleled support for Iran’s long-persecuted Baha’i community during the #StopHatePropaganda campaign. Indeed, it is time that Iran is held to account for inciting hatred and committing countless human rights violations against the Bahá’ís with impunity. 

Hate crimes always begin with words. Let us not allow history to repeat itself.