Iran’s government faces condemnation from the UN for denying the desecration of Baha’i cemeteries. UN Special Rapporteur Professor Nazila Ghanea highlighted systemic discrimination and violations of Baha’i burial rights. Reports reveal extensive interference in Baha’i burial practices across multiple cities in Iran. The Canadian government supports the Baha’i community amidst ongoing persecution since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Baha’i International Community urges international advocacy against these violations.
The United Nations has formally condemned Iran’s government regarding its denial of Baha’i cemetery desecrations. This condemnation came from Professor Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, during a recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. She emphasized that the Iranian government cannot conceal its violations against Baha’is, particularly their right to bury their deceased loved ones.
During the session, an Iranian representative dismissed findings from the Special Rapporteur’s report, claiming that Baha’is are not prevented from burials and that land allocation for cemeteries follows national regulations. This assertion aimed to mislead the council and downplay the systemic discrimination against Baha’is, despite contradictory evidence.
Professor Ghanea directly challenged these evasive claims, highlighting the persecution encountered by religious minorities in Iran, particularly the Baha’is. She stated, “One cannot hide behind claims that a cemetery is private…Hundreds of Baha’i cemeteries throughout Iran have been destroyed.” The systematic delays imposed on Baha’i burials further underline the dire situation for this community.
Former Special Rapporteur Heiner Bielefeldt noted that the persecution of Baha’is in Iran is systematic and pervasive, stressing it extends “from cradle to grave.” Simin Fahandej of the Baha’i International Community expressed profound concern regarding Iran’s intensified efforts against Baha’i cemetery lands.
In the past year, there have been reported desecrations of Baha’i cemeteries in at least 14 major cities across Iran. Government interference has included the forced management takeover of cemeteries, exorbitant fees for burials, and denial of burial rights according to Baha’i traditions. The cities affected include Tehran, Karaj, Shiraz, and others.
During the Human Rights Council session, Canada reiterated its support for Baha’i rights, emphasizing protection of burial rights for religious minorities. The ongoing desecrations and denials of burial rights have persisted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, exacerbating the suffering of Baha’is across the country.
In 1991, a confidential policy document titled “The Baha’i Question” was issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader and outlined systematic plans to hinder the Baha’i community’s development. Baha’is face severe restrictions on their rights, including arbitrary arrests, property confiscation, and hate speech.
The Baha’i International Community continues advocating for an end to these injustices and urges the international community to hold Iran accountable for its consistent human rights violations.
In conclusion, the United Nations has condemned Iran for its ongoing violations of Baha’i rights, particularly concerning the desecration of cemeteries. The Iranian government’s denial of these actions reflects a broader pattern of persecution against religious minorities. Despite national claims regarding land allocation, evidence points to systematic discrimination. The Baha’i International Community calls for global awareness and accountability to address these egregious human rights abuses.
Original Source: iranpresswatch.org
