The Iranian government has been condemned by the United Nations for denying Baha’i burial rights and desecrating their cemeteries. During a session at the Human Rights Council, Professor Nazila Ghanea addressed the systematic restrictions imposed on Baha’is, noting the rising persecution levels. Recent actions against Baha’i cemeteries have escalated, as reported by representatives from the Baha’i International Community.
Iran has faced condemnation at the United Nations for its ongoing violations against the Baha’i community, particularly concerning cemetery desecrations. During a recent UN Human Rights Council session, Professor Nazila Ghanea, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, emphasized that the Iranian government cannot obscure its denials of Baha’i burial rights, highlighting grave injustices against this religious group.
The Iranian representative attempted to refute claims in Professor Ghanea’s report regarding barriers faced by Baha’is in accessing burial lands. This included misleading statements about land regulation aimed at equitable access. Professor Ghanea firmly pointed out that the Iranian government has a responsibility to its largest non-Muslim religious minority and condemned the destruction of Baha’i cemeteries throughout Iran, noting that burials are often hindered by governmental red tape.
In past years, experts have characterized the Iranian regime’s treatment of Baha’is as a profound form of religious persecution. Heiner Bielefeldt, a former Special Rapporteur, described this persecution as pervasive, affecting individuals throughout their lives. Simin Fahandej from the Baha’i International Community reported intensified government actions against Baha’i cemeteries, asserting that victims are denied peaceful mourning and burial in accordance with their beliefs.
Over the last year, Baha’i cemeteries in 14 Iranian cities have experienced severe violations, including forced management takeovers by government agents. Reports indicate that Baha’is face compulsory fees for burials and, in some cases, are prevented from honoring their deceased according to their traditions. This is evident across varied locations in Iran, including major cities like Tehran and Shiraz.
During the Human Rights Council meeting, Canada expressed its concerns regarding the mistreatment of grieving families and the ongoing threats to religious minority burial rights. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Baha’is have endured widespread violations concerning their burial and funeral practices, while systematic efforts to erase their community persist.
The Iranian government’s actions align with historical policies aimed at suppressing the Baha’i community, as seen in a confidential 1991 document that outlines intentions to restrict their societal participation. These escalated assaults encompass arrests, property devastation, and discrimination, despite official denials from Iranian authorities.
The Baha’i International Community urges global entities to call for an end to Iran’s human rights violations against the Baha’is and to hold the government accountable for its misconduct.
For further inquiries, Bani Dugal and Simin Fahandej are available for contact at their respective emails.
In summary, Iran’s government continues to face international criticism for its systematic persecution of the Baha’i community, specifically regarding cemetery desecration and violations of their burial rights. The ongoing denial of these issues by Iranian officials highlights a broader context of oppression against religious minorities. International representatives, including Canada and UN authorities, have underscored the importance of protecting the rights and dignities of Baha’is, and the Baha’i International Community advocates for global accountability concerning these injustices.
Original Source: iranpresswatch.org
