Mr. President, since 1979, every time a crisis has struck Iran, Iranian authorities, instead of addressing the country's challenges and the causes of the crisis, have scapegoated one of their most vulnerable populations, the Bahais, Iran's largest non-Muslim religious minority. Since the January protest, this pattern has continued. Iran State media broadcast forced confessions, spread fabricated accusations, and intensified propaganda against the Baha'is, all to justify the persecution against them, to shift blame and public anger towards the Baha'is, to fuel suspicion and hostility against an entire community.

The Baha'is in Iran have tolerated every human rights violation imaginable, and yet have never acted with violence, never compromised on their principles of peacefulness, nor resorted to the unjust and hateful tactics of their oppressors. Their record of refusing to deny their faith shows their commitment to their principles.

Their desire for their rights is so they can contribute to the welfare of a country they hold dear to their hearts. Scapegoating a religious minority in times of crisis is a dangerous strategy. It legitimizes discrimination. The propaganda has also been accompanied by arrests, imprisonments, confiscation of properties, economic restrictions, and ongoing threats.

Special Rapporteur, what responsibility does the government of Iran bear to ensure state institutions and media do not incite hostility against religious minorities, particularly during times of national crisis and conflict?

Thank you.