Bahá’í International
Community
ince 1980, human rights organs of the United Nations have been expressing concern about the tragic situation of the Bahá’í religious minority in Iran. This demonstration of international concern has played a critical role in moderating the actions of the Iranian authorities and providing a measure of security to the Bahá’í community.
A summary history of this issue at the United Nations is outlined below:
Resolution 10 (XXXIII) (10.9.1980) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities expresses profound concern for the Bahá’ís both individually and collectively, and invites the Government of Iran to protect their fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Resolution 8 (XXXIV) (9.9.1981) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities draws the attention of the Commission on Human Rights to the perilous situation facing the Bahá’ís and requests the Secretary-General to report on their plight to the next session of the Commission.
Resolution 1982/27 (11.3.1982) of the Commission on Human Rights notes the Secretary-General’s report on the Bahá’ís and requests him to establish direct contacts with the Government of Iran and to continue his efforts to ensure the Bahá’ís full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Grave concern for the Bahá’í minority is expressed by members of the Human Rights Committee at its 16th session, when the Committee discusses with representatives of the Iranian Government the preliminary report submitted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with its reporting obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Resolution 1982/25 (8.9.1982) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities recalls its earlier resolutions on the plight of the Bahá’ís and expresses its continuing concern at human rights violations in Iran.
Resolution 1983/34 (8.3.1983) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses its profound concern at the religious persecution of the Bahá’ís and requests the Secretary-General to continue his direct contacts with the Government of Iran on the human rights situation in that country, “including the situation of the Bahá’ís.”
Resolution 1983/14 (5.9.1983) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities expresses its grave concern at the continuing religious persecution of the Bahá’ís and suggests that the Commission on Human Rights appoint a Special Rapporteur to study the human rights situation in Iran.
Resolution 1984/54 (14.3.1984) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses its concern for the Bahá’í minority and requests its Chairman to appoint a Special Representative to establish contacts with the Government of Iran and to make a thorough study of human rights in Iran.
Decision 1984/138 of the Economic and Social Council endorses the Commission’s decision to appoint a Special Representative.
Resolution 1984/14 (29.8.1984) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities expresses alarm at the continuing gross violations of human rights in Iran, including the religious persecution of the Bahá’ís, and welcomes the Commission’s decision to appoint a Special Representative.
Preliminary Report of the Special Representative to the Commission on Human Rights expresses great concern at the number and gravity of alleged violations of human rights in Iran, including denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Resolution 1985/39 (13.3.1985) of the Commission on Human Rights endorses the general observations of its Special Representative, expresses its deep concern at the number and gravity of alleged violations of human rights to which his preliminary report bears witness, extends his mandate, and requests him “...to present an interim report to the General Assembly at its fortieth session on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís...”
Decision 1985/148 of the Economic and Social Council endorses the Commission’s decision.
Resolution 1985/17 (29.8.1985) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities welcomes the Commission’s decision, expresses its alarm at the continuing reports of gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran, “in particular at the evidence of persecution of the Bahá’í religious minority...,” endorses the general observations of the Special Representative in his preliminary report, and expresses the hope that the initial contacts of the Government of Iran with the Special Representative will develop into a positive cooperation.
Resolution 40/141 (13.12.1985) of the General Assembly “Expresses its deep concern over the specific and detailed allegations of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran to which the Special Representative refers in his interim report, and in particular, those related to the right to life, such as summary and arbitrary executions; the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right to liberty and security of person and to freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention; the right to a fair trial; the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and to freedom of expression; and the right of religious minorities to profess and practice their own religion” (operative paragraph 2);
“Decides to continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its forty-first session in order to examine this situation anew in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council” (operative paragraph 8).
Resolution 1985/41 (12.3.1986) of the Commission on Human Rights “expresses its deep concern over the specific and detailed allegations of grave human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran to which the Special Representative refers in his report”; endorses his conclusion that “specific and detailed allegations concerning grave human rights violations” in Iran cannot be dismissed; decides to extend the mandate of the Commission’s Special Representative and requests him to present an interim report on the situation, “including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís” to the General Assembly at its forty-first session and a final report to the Commission at its forty-third session in 1987.
Decision 1986/137 of the Economic and Social Council approves the Commission’s decision to extend the Special Representative’s mandate and its request to the Special Representative to submit reports to the forty-first session of the General Assembly and the forty-third session of the Commission.
It is announced on 14 July 1986 that, in response to this request, the Chairman of the Commission appointed Mr. Reynaldo Galindo Pohl to serve as the Special Representative of the Commission.
Resolution 41/159 (4.12.1986) of the General Assembly “Expresses its deep concern over the specific and detailed allegations of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and in particular over those related to the right to life, such as summary and arbitrary executions, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person and to freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and to freedom of expression and the right of religious minorities to profess and practice their own religion”;
“Requests the Commission on Human Rights to study carefully the final report of the Special Representative, as well as other information pertaining to the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to consider further steps for securing effective “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all in that country”;
Decides to continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its forty-second session....”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1987/55 (11.3.1987) of the Commission on Human Rights recalling its resolution 1986/41, extends the mandate of the Special Representative for one year; requests him to present an interim report on the human rights situation including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís; regrets “that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has so far provided no comment or information to the Special Representative and has not allowed him to visit the country”; again expresses “its deep concern over the numerous and detailed allegations of grave and extensive human rights violations to which the Special Representative refers in his report (E/CN.4/1987/23) and in particular, those related to the right to life, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person and to freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of thought; conscience and religion and to freedom of expression, and the right of religious minorities to profess and practice their own religion”; requests “the Special Representative to present an interim report to the General Assembly, at its forty-second session on human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís....”
Decision 1987/150 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend the Special Representative’s mandate.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1987/12 (1.9.1987) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities refers to “various resolutions and documents published by other international bodies and organizations including resolutions ratified by the European Parliament and Council of Europe ... all of which have expressed great concern over the violations of human rights and violation of the most basic rights of the ethnic and religious minorities..”; learns “with renewed concern that the number of those allegedly executed by the ruling Government, including Bahá’ís and others, now exceeds 70,000...”; expresses “strong concern over the grave violations of human rights and basic freedom such as...the right to freedom of belief and religion...”; urges “determined protest by the Commission to the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning continuing disrespect for the Charter of the United Nations in relation to human rights”; and “requests the Secretary-General to inform the General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and its Special Representative of the information obtained from the Sub-Commission on the grave violation of human rights and the most basic freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Resolution 42/136 (7.12.1987) of the General Assembly takes note of the Commission’s resolution 1987/55 requesting the Special Representative “to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-second session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís...”; again expresses “its deep concern about the numerous and detailed allegations of grave human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran to which the Special Representative had referred in his report, namely, those related to the right to life, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person, and to freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and to freedom of expression, and the right of religious minorities to profess and practice their own religion”; expresses “its grave concern, in particular, that although the Special Representative indicates that the number of alleged violations of the right to life has diminished over the past two years, according to information made available to him, some one hundred persons were alleged to have been executed in the period October 1986-September 1987 because of their political and religious convictions”; expresses “its deep concern at allegations that maltreatment and torture, both physical and psychological, are common practice in Iranian prisons during interrogation and before and after the final verdict, and at the existence of extremely summary and informal proceedings, unawareness on the part of the prisoners of specific accusations, lack of legal counsel and other irregularities with respect to fair trial”; endorses “the conclusion of the Special Representative that acts continue to occur in the Islamic Republic of Iran that are inconsistent with the provisions of international instruments....”; decides “to keep under consideration the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its forty-third session...”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1988/69 (10.3.1988) of the Commission on Human Rights recalls its decision to request the Special Representative to present an interim report to the General Assembly on human rights situation including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís; expresses “again its deep concern about the numerous detailed allegations of grave human rights violations... in particular those related to the right to life,... the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and to freedom of expression...”; requests “the Special Representative to present an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-third session on the human rights situation, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís, and a final report to the Commission at its forty-fifth session.”
Decision 1988/137 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend the Special Representative’s mandate. This decision refers also to Commission resolution 1984/54.
Resolution 43/137 (8.12.1988) of the General Assembly takes note of the Commission’s resolution 1988/69 requesting the Special Representative “to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-third session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís....”; notes “the recent contacts between the Special Representative and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which it is hoped will lead to a state of full co-operation between the Special Representative and that Government, including a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, so that he can fulfil his mandate”; notes “that the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran continue to be subjected to various forms of harassment and discrimination, although there are indications that the intensity of the campaign of persecution against the Bahá’ís has diminished somewhat in recent months, and that a number of them have been released from prison”; expresses once more “its deep concern about the numerous and detailed allegations of grave human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran to which the Special Representative had referred in his report, namely, those related to the right to life, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion”; expresses “its deep concern also at the existence of extremely summary, informal and irregular proceedings, failure to inform defendants of specific accusations against them, lack of legal counsel, absence of an appropriate instance for appeal and other irregularities that contravene international standards on fair trial”; endorses “the conclusion of the Special Representative that acts continue to occur in the Islamic Republic of Iran that are inconsistent with the provisions of international instruments...”; decides “to keep under consideration the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its forty-fourth session....”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1989/66 (7.3.1989) of the Commission on Human Rights recalling “...the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís...”; notes “that the situation of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be uncertain”; expresses once more “its deep concern over the numerous and detailed allegations of grave and extensive human rights violations to which the Special Representative has referred in his reports, namely, those related to the right to life, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial and to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression,”; requests “the Special Representative to present an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session on human rights situation in Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís and a final report to the forty-sixth session of the Commission.”
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1989/10 (31.8.1989) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities takes note “of numerous reports by United Nations special rapporteurs and by NGOs,...”; concerned “also at reports of denial of rights of minorities to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own beliefs”; is “further concerned at reports about persecution and detention of members of the Bahá’í community in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Resolution 44/163 (15.12.1989) of the General Assembly takes note “with appreciation of the interim report of the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights”; takes note “of the view of the Special Representative that, in order to achieve full co-operation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Special Representative, there is a need to proceed to another stage in the discharge of his mandate”; welcomes “the invitation by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Special Representative for him to visit that country”; decides “to continue its examination... during its forty-fifth session.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1990/79 (7.3.1990) of the Commission on Human Rights notes “the findings of the Special Representative on the situation of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran”; expresses “its concern that testimony gathered by the Special Representative reiterated complaints about unlawful executions, torture, substitute prisoners, imprisonment beyond the period specified in the sentence, spontaneous decisions by low-ranking officials and the absence of council for defence as well as restrictions on the right to assemble...”; requests “the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís, and a final report to the Commission at its forty-seventh session.”
Decision 1990/243 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend the Special Representative’s mandate.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1990/9 (30.8.1990) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities notes “that the situation of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be uncertain”; expresses “its deep concern about the grave violations of human rights namely those related to the right to life, the right to freedom from torture and from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial, and the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression...”; decides “to consider the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’í, at its forty-third session.”
Resolution 45/173 (18.12.1990) of the General Assembly noting “the findings of the Special Representative on the situation of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran”; calls upon “the Islamic Republic of Iran to intensify its efforts to investigate and rectify the human rights issues raised by the Special Representative, in particular as regards the administration of justice and due process of law in order to comply with international instruments on human rights, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in these instruments”; notes “that the co-operation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the Special Representative has improved and has included replies by the Government to allegations that have been transmitted to it, and urges the Government to reply in detail to all allegations referred to by the Special Representative in his reports.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1991/82 (7.3.1991) of the Commission on Human Rights noting further “the findings of the Special Representative on the situation of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran”; welcomes “the full cooperation extended by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Special Representative, which has reached its highest level, as well as the intention of the Government to continue its full cooperation with the Special Representative”; requests “the Special Representative to maintain his contact and cooperation with the Government...and to report on further progress with regard to the recommendations contained in his report, on the basis of his mandate pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 1984/54 of 14 March 1984”; also requests the Special Representative “to submit a report to be considered by the Commission which will consider the report with the view to its discontinuing the mandate if there is further progress achieved regarding his recommendations.”
Decision 1991/261 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s request to the Special Representative to maintain his contacts and cooperation with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to report on further progress.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1991/9 (23.8.1991) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities notes “that the situation of the Bahá’í community in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be a matter of great concern”; expresses “its deep concern at the escalating grave violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular of the right to life, the right to freedom from torture and from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial and the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression, and calls upon the Commission on Human Rights at its forty-eight session, to extend the mandate of the Special Representative and the monitoring of the situation of human rights”; decides “to consider the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’í community, at its forty-fourth session.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1992/67 (4.3.1992) of the Commission on Human Rights takes note “with appreciation of the report of the Special Representative of the Commission (E/CN.4/1992/34) and the observations contained therein”; expresses “its deep concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”; expresses “its concern more specifically at the main weaknesses, according to the Special Representative, of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely, the lack of guarantees of due process of law, discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens for reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís....”; welcomes “the fact that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has permitted the Special Representative to visit the country and has continued to reply to allegations of human rights violations transmitted to it by the Special Representative”; calls upon the Government “to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in the international instruments”; decides “to extend the mandate of the Special Representative requesting him to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session”; decides “to continue its consideration of the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a matter of priority, at its forty-ninth session.”
Decision 1992/239 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend the Special Representative’s mandate and its request to the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly and a final report to the forty-ninth session of the Commission.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1992/15 (27.8.1992) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities notes “in particular that the situation of the Bahá’í community in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be a matter of concern”; condemns “the continuing grave violations of human rights by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially: (d) renewed persecution of religious minorities and summary killings of Bahá’ís.”
Resolution 47/146 (18.12.1992) of the General Assembly expresses “its concern at continuing reports of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”; expresses “its concern more specifically at the main criticisms according to the Special Representative of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely, the high number of executions, the practice of torture, the standard of the administration of justice, the absence of guarantees of due legal process, the treatment of the Bahá’í community and restriction of freedoms of expression, thought, opinion and press”; regrets “that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has not permitted the Special Representative to visit the country and failed to reply to allegations of human rights violations” and regrets also “that, as the Special Representative concluded, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not given adequate follow-up to many of the recommendations contained in the previous reports”; decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran during its forty-eighth session under the item ‘Human rights questions’ in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights and the ECOSOC.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1992/62 (10.3.1993) of the Commission on Human Rights, noting “the Special Representative’s … view that during 1992 there was no appreciable progress in the Islamic Republic of Iran towards improved compliance with human rights standards in conformity with international instruments,” “expresses its deep concern at continuing reports of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; expresses “its concern more specifically at the main criticisms of the Special Representative of the … discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens for reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís,” while conveying “its regret that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has not granted the request of the Special Representative to visit the country for more than a year,” “calls upon the Government … to comply with international instruments on human rights … to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognised in these instruments,” and “decides to extend the mandate of the Special Representative … for a further year,” requesting “the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly … on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís,” continuing its consideration of Iran’s human rights situation “as a matter of priority, at its fiftieth session.”
Decision 1993/273 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend the mandate of the Special Representative for one year, to request him to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and to report to the Commission at its fiftieth session and to request to the Secretary-General to give all necessary assistance to the Special Representative.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1993/14 (20.4.1993) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, gravely concerned at “the systematic repression of the Bahá’í community and at the plight of the Iranian Kurds,” strongly condemns “the continuing and flagrant human rights violations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including: (d) The continued persecution of the Bahá’ís and other religious minorities,” and decides to “consider further the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of women and minority groups such as the Bahá’ís and the Kurds, at its forty-sixth session.”
Resolution 48/145 (20.12.1993) of the General Assembly expresses its concern “at the main criticisms of the Special Representative with regard to the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely, … discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community is threatened…,” also calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with international instruments on human rights, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in those instruments” and decides to “continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís…”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1994/73 (9.3.1994) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses its concern “at the main criticisms of the Special Representative with regard to the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely, … discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens for reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community in the Islamic Republic of Iran is threatened, as well as the ill-treatment of certain Christians and restrictions on the freedoms of expression, thought, opinion and the press, and that, as noted by the Special Representative, there is continued discrimination against women,” also calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with international instruments on human rights, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in these instruments” and requests the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-first session.
Decision 1994/263 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend for a further year the mandate of the Special Representative, to request him to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-first session and to request the Secretary-General to give all necessary assistance to the Special Representative.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1994/16 (25.8.1994) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities deeply concerned “at extensive and continuing human rights violations by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including … freedom of religion,” shocked “by the systematic repression of the Bahá’í community and at the situation of the Iranian Kurds and the Arab minority in Iran, and at increasing intolerance towards Christians, including recent murders of Christian religious ministers,” condemns “the flagrant violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran which, as noted by the Special Representative of the Commission, include: (d) Religious discrimination, notably against the Bahá’ís and Christian individuals and groups,” and requests the Secretary-General to “continue to keep the Sub-Commission informed of relevant reports and United Nations measures to prevent human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including, in particular, those concerning the situation of the Kurds and the Arab minority and the religious freedoms of the Bahá’í and Christian communities in Iran.”
Resolution 49/202 (23.12.1994) of the General Assembly expresses “its concern more specifically at the main criticisms of the Special Representative in his recent reports with regard to … the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious minority is threatened …,” urges “the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with international instruments on human rights, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups and other persons belonging to minorities, enjoy the rights recognized in those instruments”; and decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís, during its fiftieth session under the item entitled ‘Human rights questions’ in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1995/68 (8.3.1995) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses “its deep concern at continued violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including those highlighted by the Special Representative in his report, namely … the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Baha’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community in the Islamic Republic of Iran is threatened” … also urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a State party to the International Covenants on Human Rights, to abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the Covenants and under other international instruments on human rights, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in these instruments,” further urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to intensify its efforts to investigate and rectify the human rights issues raised by the Special Representative in his observations, in particular with regard to the administration of justice and due process of law, and, in fulfilment of its obligations under article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to take steps to ensure the recognition and enjoyment of human rights of persons belonging to minorities” and requests “the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Baha’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-second session.”
Decision 1995/279 of ECOSOC approves the Commission’s decision to extend for a further year the mandate of the Special Representative on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, to request him to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-second session and to request to the Secretary-General to give all necessary assistance to the Special Representative.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1995/18 (24.8.1995) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities deeply concerned at “extensive and continuing human rights violations by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including arbitrary and summary executions, torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, unexplained disappearances, the absence of guarantees essential for the protection of the right to a fair trial and disregard for freedom of expression and freedom of religion,” noting “that relevant international organizations and bodies emphasize the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in intimidating and harassing the religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran during the past year, in particular in the assassination of three Christian leaders,” condemns “the flagrant violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran which, as noted by the Special Representative of the Commission, include: (f) Religious discrimination, notably against Bahá’ís and Christian individuals and groups,” requests “the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Sub-Commission informed of relevant reports and United Nations measures to prevent human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including, in particular, those concerning the situation of the Kurds and the Arab minority and the religious freedoms and the emancipation of the Bahá’í and Christian communities in Iran.”
Resolution 50/188 (22.12.95) of the General Assembly expresses “its concern at violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular … the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community in the Islamic Republic of Iran is threatened …,” urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a State party to the International Covenants on Human Rights, to abide by its obligations freely undertaken under the Covenants and under other international instruments on human rights and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in those instruments,” and decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its fifty-first session under the item entitled “Human rights questions,” on the basis of the report of the Special Representative and in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1996/84 (24.4.1996) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses “its concern at the continuation of violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular … the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community in the Islamic Republic of Iran is threatened…,” calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and to other minority religious groups, including Christians,” urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a State party to the International Covenants on Human Rights, to abide by its obligations under the Covenants and under other international instruments on human rights to which it is party, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including religious groups, enjoy the rights recognized in these instruments” and requests “the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fifty-first session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-third session.”
Decision 1996/287 of ECOSOC endorses the Commission’s decision to extend for a further year the mandate of the Special Representative, and approves the Commission’s request to the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fifty-first session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, and to report to the Commission at its fifty-third session.
Resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/RES/1996/7 (20.8.1996) of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities gravely concerned “at reports of: (a) Extensive and continuing human rights violations by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including arbitrary and summary executions, torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, unexplained disappearances, the absence of guarantees essential for the protection of the right to a fair trial and disregard for freedom of expression and freedom of religion,” requests “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to investigate fully in order to end the alleged violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran which include: (d) Religious discrimination, notably against Bahá’ís and Christians,” urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement fully the conclusions and the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and to other minority religious groups, including Christians, until they are completely emancipated” and requests “the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Sub-Commission informed of relevant reports and United Nations measures to prevent human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including violations of the religious freedoms of the Bahá’í and the Christian communities in Iran.”
Resolution 51/107 (12.12.96) of the General Assembly expresses “its concern at the grave breaches of human rights of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran and situations of discrimination against the members of this religious community, as well as at the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, including lack of adequate protection for the Christian minorities, some members of which have been the target of intimidation and assassination,” urges “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a State party to the International Covenants on Human Rights, to abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the Covenants and under other international instruments on human rights and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including members of religious groups and persons belonging to minorities, enjoy all the rights enshrined in those instruments,” calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief relating to the Bahá’ís and to other minority religious groups, including Christians,” expresses its grave concern at indications, according to the information received by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, of a significant toughening of criminal legislation and its application in the Islamic Republic of Iran and in particular at the incidence of capital punishment imposed for apostasy and non-violent crimes, in violation of the relevant provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and United Nations safeguards,” and decides “on the basis of the report of the Special Representative and in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council, to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, during its fifty-second session under the item entitled ‘Human rights questions.’ ”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1997/54 (15.4.1997) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses “its concern: (b) At the grave breaches of the human rights of the Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran and situations of discrimination against the members of this religious community, as well as at the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, including certain Christian minorities, some members of which have been the targets of intimidation and assassination,” calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: (b) To abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the International Covenants on Human Rights and under other international instruments on human rights, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including members of religious groups and persons belonging to minorities, enjoy all the rights enshrined in those instruments; (c) To implement fully the recommendations of the Special Representative and the relevant recommendations of the Special Rapporteurs on religious intolerance and on freedom of opinion and expression, in particular the recommendations relating to the Bahá’ís, Christians, Sunni and other minority religious groups; (g) To ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed for apostasy or non-violent crimes, or in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations safeguards” and decides: “… (c) To continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, at its fifty-fourth session under the agenda item entitled ‘Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world, with particular reference to colonial and other dependent countries and territories.’ ”
Decision 1997/262 of ECOSOC endorses the Commission’s decision to extend for a further year the mandate of the Special Representative on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, approved the Commission’s request to the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fifty-second session on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and to report to the Commission at its fifty-fourth session, and to keep a gender perspective in mind when seeking and analysing information, and to request the Secretary-General to continue to give all necessary assistance to the Special Representative to enable him to discharge his mandate fully.
Resolution 52/142 of the General Assembly expresses “its concern: (b) At the grave breaches of the human rights of the Bahá’ís, the discrimination against members of other religious minorities, including Christians, and the death sentences pronounced against Dhabihullah Mahrami, Musa Talibi and Ramadan-Ali Dhulfaqari, on the charge of apostasy, and against Bihnam Mithaqi and Kayvan Khalajabadi because of their beliefs,” calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: “… (b) To abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the International Covenants on Human Rights and under other international instruments on human rights and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including members of religious groups and persons belonging to minorities, enjoy all the rights enshrined in those instruments; (c) To implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief relating to the Bahá’ís and to other minority religious groups, including Christians, until they are completely emancipated; E/CN.4/1996/95/Add.2. (g) To ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed for apostasy or non-violent crimes or in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and United Nations safeguards” and decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, at its fifty-third session under the item entitled ‘Human rights questions,’ in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1998/80 (22.4.1998) of the Commission on Human Rights expresses “its concern: (c) At continuing grave violations of the human rights of the Bahá’ís, as well as at the discrimination against members of other religious minorities, including Christians, despite constitutional guarantees, at the increased pressure on religious communities and persons suspected of proselytizing, and at the death sentences pronounced against Mr. Dhabihullah Mahrami and Mr. Musa Talibi on the charge of apostasy, and against Mr. Bihnam Mithaqi and Mr. Kayvan Khalajabadi because of their beliefs,” calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: (b) To abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the International Covenants on Human Rights and under other international instruments on human rights, and to ensure that all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction, including members of religious groups and persons belonging to minorities, enjoy all the rights enshrined in those instruments; … (e) To implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís, Christians and other minority religious groups, until they are completely emancipated … (j) To ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed for non-violent crimes, for apostasy, or otherwise in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations safeguards” and decides: “… (c) To continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís and the Christians, at its fifty-fifth session under the same agenda item.”
Decision 1998/273 of ECOSOC endorses the Commission’s decision to extend the mandate of the Special Representative for a further year, to request the Special Representative to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session and to report to the Commission at its fifty-fifth session, and to keep a gender perspective in mind when seeking and analysing information, and to request the Secretary-General to continue to give all necessary assistance to the Special Representative to enable him to discharge his mandate fully.
Resolution 53/158 (9.12.1998) of the General Assembly expresses “its concern at the discrimination against religious minorities and in particular remains gravely concerned at the unabated pattern of persecution against the Bahá’ís, in particular the execution and sentencing to death and arrests of members of the Bahá’í community, and calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and to other religious minorities, until they are completely emancipated”; calls upon “the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed for other than the most serious crimes, for apostasy, or otherwise in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and United Nations safeguards, and to provide the Special Representative with relevant statistics on this matter”; and decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, at its fifty-fourth session under the item entitled ‘Human rights questions,’ in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights.”
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/1999/13 (23.4.1999) of the Commission on Human Rights notes with interest: “… (b) The reported elimination of discrimination against Bahá’í youth in enrollment in the pre--university year at the high-school level, while remaining concerned that their entry to universities continues to be refused, expresses its concern: (c) At the continued discrimination against religious minorities, in particular the unabated and, in some instances, worsened pattern of persecution against the Bahá’ís, including death sentences, executions, arrests and the closure of the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education” and calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: “… (b) To ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed for other than the most serious crimes, not for apostasy or otherwise in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and United Nations safeguards, and to provide the Special Representative with relevant statistics on this matter; (c) To implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and other minority religious groups until they are completely emancipated”; and decides: “… (c) To continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of the Bahá’ís and other minority groups, at its fifty-sixth session under the same agenda item.”
Resolution A/RES754/177 (17.12.1999) of the General Assembly expresses its concern… “at the discrimination against religious minorities, in particular Bahá’ís, and remains gravely concerned at the unabated pattern of persecution against the Bahá’ís, including death sentences, arrests and the closure of the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education, and calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and other religious minorities until they are completely emancipated”; Decides… “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups, such as the Bahá’ís, at its fifty-fifth session under the item entitled “Human rights questions”, in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights”.
Resolution E/CN.4/2000/L.16 (10.4.2000) the Commission on Human Rights expresses its concern: …”At the discrimination against religious minorities, in particular the unabated pattern of persecution against the Bahá’ís, including death sentences and arrests”; calls upon…”To ensure that capital punishment will not be imposed other than for the most serious crimes, not for apostasy or otherwise in disregard of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and United Nations safeguards, and to provide the Special Representative with relevant statistics on this matter”; “To implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and other minority religious groups until they are completely emancipated; Decides:…” To continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, paying particular attention to further developments, including the situation of the Bahá’ís and other minority groups, at its fifty-seventh session under the same agenda item”.
Resolution A/RES/55/114 (4.12.00) The General Assembly expresses its concern: “At the discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, in particular the unabated pattern of persecution of the Bahá’ís, including the continuing detention and the sentencing to death of some of them”. Calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran…”to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Representative with regard to religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and other minority religious groups, Ibid,. para 110. until they are completely emancipated”; Decides “to continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Bahá’ís, at its fifty-sixth session, under the item ‘Human rights questions’, in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights”.
Resolution E/CN.4/RES/2001/17 (20.4.2001) the Commission on Human Rights notes:
“ recent positive steps regarding the situation of the Bahá’ís, including the report that they will be allowed to re-establish their cemetery in Tehran, but expresses its concern at the still-existing discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, in particular against Bahá’ís, and calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on religious grounds or against persons belonging to minorities and to address this matter in an open manner with the full participation of the minorities themselves, as well as to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance relating to the Bahá’ís and other minority groups until they are completely emancipated”. Decides… “to continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, paying particular attention to further developments, including the situation of the Bahá’ís and other minority groups, at its fifty-eighth session under the same agenda item”.
Resolution A/RES/56/171(19.12.2001) The General Assembly expresses its concern: … “At the continuing discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, in particular against Bahá’ís, Christians, Jews and Sunnis”. It calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: …”To eliminate all forms of discrimination based on religious grounds or against persons belonging to minorities and to address this matter in an open manner, with the full participation of the minorities themselves, as well as to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the question of religious intolerances relating to the Bahá’ís and other minority groups until they are completely emancipated.”. Decides : ..”To continue the examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, paying particular attention to further developments, including the situation of the Bahá’ís and other minority groups, at its fifty-seventh session, under the agenda item entitled “Human rights questions”, in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights”.
Resolution A/RES/58/195 (22.12.03). The General Assembly expresses its serious concern at:..” The Continuing discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, including the Bahá’ís, Christians, Jews and Sunnis, including cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, the denial of free worship or of publicly carrying out communal affairs and the disregard of property rights”. It calls upon the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran:…” To eliminate all forms of discrimination based on religious grounds or against persons belonging to minorities, including the Bahá’ís, Christians, Jews and Sunnis, and to address this matter in an open manner, with the full participation of the minorities themselves”. It decides:… “to continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, paying particular attention to further developments, including the situation of the Bahá’ís and other minority groups, at its fifty-ninth session, under the item entitled “Human rights questions”, in the light of additional elements provided by the Commission on Human Rights”.
Resolution A/RES/59/205 (02.11.04). The General Assembly expresses its serious concern at:..” The continuing discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, including Christians, Jews and Sunnis, and the increased discrimination against the Bahá’ís, including cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, the denial of free worship or of publicly carrying out communal affaires, the disregard of property rights, the destruction of sites of religious importance, the suspension of social, educational and community-related activities and the denial of access to higher education, employment, pensions and other benefits”. It calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: …” To eliminate all forms of discrimination based on religious grounds or against persons belonging to minorities, including the Bahá’ís, Christians, Jews and Sunnis, and to address this matter in an open manner, with the full participation of the minorities themselves, and to ensure respect for the freedom of religion or belief of all persons”.
