Persecution of the Bahá'í Community


Iranian Bahá'í Leadership (click here for profiles), imprisoned since 14 May 2008	The Bahá'í Question: Cultural Cleansing in Iran

Overview

The Bahá'í International Community works to protect the rights of persecuted Bahá'í communities. Throughout the history of the Bahá'í Faith, Bahá'ís have been persecuted for their religion, particularly in the Islamic world, where the Faith has been and continues to be viewed as heretical to Islam. In Iran, where they comprise the largest religious minority, Bahá'ís are denied access to education, employment; have been subjected to summary arrests and detentions; and have seen their cemeteries destroyed. They have never been able to openly practice their religion. Our Office continues to work for the restoration of the basic human rights of Bahá'ís, particularly those in the Islamic world, and ultimately, for their right to exist as a peaceful, law-abiding religious community.

For the most recent update on the situation of the Baha’is living in Iran, read our February 2010 Update Report and February 2010 Background Document. For past Reports and Background Documents, click here.

Focus

15 February 2010 — Countries from around the world have voiced strong concern at the United Nations Human Rights Council over Iran's deteriorating human rights record. In speeches yesterday and in documents filed with the Council, nations and human rights groups described the degree to which Iran has failed to live up to its obligations under international human rights law. more....

Recent Activities

Diane Ala'i, Human Rights Council, 12^th Session (2 October 2009) Video

In advance of the February 2010 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Bahá'í International Community submitted two documents regarding the state of human rights in that country, focusing in particular on the situation of the Bahá'í community. Read: UPR Contribution regarding Iran, UPR Contribution: Nature of the Persecution against the Bahá'í in Iran.
BIC representatives took part in the 12^th session of the Human Rights Council (14 September - 2 October). Representatives were active at many meetings, consultations and events, in particular those regarding the rights to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and the rights of women. BIC made a statement /video on the situation of human rights in Iran in the context of the general debate on Human Rights situations. (2 October 2009) more...
BIC Representatives participated in the 11^th session of the Human Rights Council (Geneva). Ms. Diane Ala’i delivered an oral statement (view webcast) on the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran, in the context of the general debate on Human Rights situations. (June 2009).