Mr. Vice President,

For nearly five decades, the Iranian government has systematically dispossessed its own citizens and committed state-sponsored theft against the Bahá'ís.

It has abused power and manipulated the law under its unchecked control to seize Bahá'ís' personal belongings, homes, and properties in the name of the state.

In recent months, these actions have intensified. Iranian authorities have stormed Bahá'í homes, climbed over walls and arrested and beaten parents in front of their small children, often without warrants, charges or explanation.

They've taken everything from children's toys to musical instruments, furniture and cars, even stripping jewelry from people's hands.

This is nothing less than state-sponsored theft. Indeed, theft led by the state in broad daylight.

When a government enters your home and confiscates your personal possessions, it does not make theft lawful.

To escalate these confiscations now amid an already dire economic climate is nothing short of an attempt to economically strangle the Bahá’ís in Iran.

This theft is also committed through the blatant misuse of Article 49 of Iran's Constitution, where authorities arbitrarily confiscate Bahá’í homes and properties, transferring them to the state under the direct authority of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Dear Fact-Finding Mission, what steps will you take to hold the Iranian authorities accountable, and ensure that those who order, authorize, or carry out these acts of state-sponsored theft and other violations, including those at the highest levels of government?