Iran: Baha'i Faith
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the treatment of Bahá’ís in Iran.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
The UK strongly condemns the repression of religious minorities in Iran, including members of the Baha'i faith.
We were integral to the UN Human Rights Council adopting a resolution on 23 January renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Iran and the Fact-Finding Mission to monitor the situation of human rights in the country and investigate violations. This mission will also establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of such violations, including discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.
On 28 April, the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith MP, made clear that the UK will continue to monitor and pursue accountability for the dire situation for religious minorities in Iran and highlighted the abhorrent reports that Baha'is have been subject to torture and mock execution. Last July, he also delivered a speech highlighting the acute vulnerability of Baha'is to scapegoating, incitement, and threats of violence from authorities, and met Baha'i International Community UN Representative, Simin Fahandej, to discuss the current and historic situation of Baha'is in Iran.
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