"UN: Commission on Human Rights continues general debate on violation of rights and fundamental freedoms."

The Commission on Human Rights this evening continued its general debate on the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world. The following non-governmental organizations addressed the Commission this evening: International Federation of Human Rights Leagues; International Fellowship of Reconciliation; Pax Romana; Inter-Parliamentary Union; Baha'i International; …

TECHESTE AHDEROM, of the Baha'i International Community, said relentless persecution of the Baha'is continued in Iran. Despite publicity surrounding the supposed new environment of openness in Iran, wide and systematic religious persecution against Baha'is continued unabated. For 18 years, the Community had presented the Commission with indisputable evidence of a wide range of violations of the rights of Baha'is committed by Iran, and Special Rapporteurs and Representatives had repeatedly confirmed the religious nature of these violations. The determination of the Government to destroy the community was obvious, well-devised religious persecution. The Baha'is sought no special privileges; they desired only their rights under international instruments which Iran had signed. It was to be hoped that Iran would uphold the lofty principles it had proclaimed; the Commission must call for immediate and full implementation of the recommendations of the Special Rapporteurs referring to the Baha'is, to hasten the emancipation of this beleaguered community.

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