Statement by NGOs on Iran

We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations, noting that United Nations human rights instruments to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party guarantee every individual's conscience and preference, are appalled and alarmed at recent trends in the Islamic Republic of Iran. We take note with appreciation of General Assembly resolution 48/145 of 20 December 1993 and of numerous earlier resolutions of the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities regarding the precarious situation of Iranian members of the Bahá'í Faith.

We deplore the persecution of Bahá'ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran, indicated by numerous arrests, torture and imprisonments of members of the Bahá'í faith, and by the killings of 201 Bahá'ís since 1979.


In Kiribati, a visitor to the Bahá'í community there last August was welcomed with a party that included feasting, dancing and singing. Pictured here are dancers about to present tiaras to the visitor and honored guests.

We deplore the 17 March 1992 arrest and 18 March 1992 summary execution of the Teheran businessman, Mr. Bahman Samandari. We further deplore the 23 November 1993 death sentences imposed upon Mr. Bihnam Mithaqi and Mr. Kayvan Khalajabadi solely on the basis of their religious beliefs, as they have been charged as "unprivileged infidels at war with the Muslim Nations."

We urge the current session of the Commission on Human Rights to take careful note of violations of United Nations human rights instruments by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to take the strongest possible action to defend and protect the rights to free choice and practice of religion by all citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

-- Caritas Internationalis, General Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists, International Association for Religious Freedom, Lutheran World Federation, Pax Romana, Gray Panthers and World Union for Progressive Judaism.


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