In its statement to the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, the Baha'i International Community focused on the economic strangulation of Baha'is in Iran and the recent intensification of pressure on Baha'i businesses and business owners. On 28 May, Intelligence Ministry agents raided and sealed two factories, fully or partially owned by Baha’is, in the city of Semnan. One of the factories, which manufactured vertical blinds, employed 51 staff, 36 of whom were not Baha'is. The other, a lens grinding factory, employed two Baha'i and six other individuals. The Baha'i International Community’s statement to the Council noted that, "Baha'is are not allowed to work in the public sector, and they face severe restrictions in the private sector, too. Officials are following the government’s instructions to drive Baha'is out of 25 trades from which they have been banned and from any other professional activity providing more than a minimum wage.