UN General Assembly Expresses Continued Concern Over Human Rights In Iran And The Treatment Of Religious Minorities

UNITED NATIONS -- For the ninth time in ten years, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution expressing concern over reports of human rights violations in Iran, also taking special note of the persecution of Bahá'ís there.

By a vote of 74 to 25, with 55 abstentions, the General Assembly on 23 December 1994 called attention to the continued reports of high numbers of executions, cases of torture and cruel treatment, and the failure to "meet international standards with regards to the administration of justice."

The resolution also expressed concern over "discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá'ís, whose existence as a viable religious community is threatened." It also noted criticisms over "the lack of adequate protection for the Christian minorities," saying that some have "recently been the target of intimidations and assassinations."

The Assembly called for continued monitoring of the human rights situation in Iran.

Techeste Ahderom, the principal representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations, praised the General Assembly's action, saying that continued international scrutiny remains the key to security for Iran's 350,000-member Bahá'í community.

"The Bahá'ís of Iran, who have faced persecution in Iran solely because of their religious beliefs, are thankful for the support of the international community," said Mr. Ahderom. "A peaceful, law-abiding community, they seek only the right to freely practice their religion, as guaranteed in international human rights instruments that Iran is a party to."


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