In a landmark decision, the United Nations Human Rights Council has renewed its condemnation of Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses. This resolution, adopted on April 4, 2025, not only extends the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran but also expands the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission’s (FFM) scope to encompass all human rights violations, marking a significant shift from its prior focus solely on the 2022 uprisings.
The resolution passed with 24 votes in favour, 8 against and 15 abstentions, highlighting the growing international concern over Iran’s human rights record. Key issues raised include systematic discrimination, arbitrary detentions, and severe violations of religious freedoms, specifically targeting ethnic and religious minorities such as the Bahá’ís, who are notably excluded from constitutional recognition.
Simin Fahandej, of the Baha’i International Community, remarked on the resolution’s impact, noting that the unified stance represents the stark reality of Iran’s ongoing human rights violations. “Iran’s shameful treatment of its citizens for their beliefs… is now apparent in plain sight,” she stated, emphasising the need for consistent international scrutiny.
Countries like Brazil, the UK, and Ireland underscored their concern over the oppressive measures against women and the Bahá’í community, calling for the rights to freely practice their faith. Brazil particularly highlighted reports of targeted oppression against women and leaders within ethnic and religious minorities.
The mandate renewal aims to rigorously document the serious human rights violations faced by the Bahá’í community. Both advocacy groups and UN reports emphasize the increasing government persecution, including arbitrary arrests and systemic discrimination, particularly against Bahá’í women, who are facing exacerbated forms of oppression.
Recent findings highlight an alarming trend of educational and employment discrimination, where Bahá’ís are systematically deprived of opportunities and subjected to imprisonment and severe penalties for their religious identity. The reports also indicate that two-thirds of incarcerated Bahá’ís are women, who suffer from dual discrimination due to their gender and faith.
The oppressive regime also impacts Bahá’í burial rights, as detailed by Special Rapporteurs Nazila Ghanea and Mai Sato, who report brutal desecrations of Bahá’í cemeteries across Iran. The Iranian government’s repeated denial of these violations starkly contrasts the documented reality, showcasing decades of systemic oppression.
The gravity of these reports and resolutions signals an urgent call for international accountability and a concerted effort to protect the civil liberties of the Bahá’í community. The international community continues to rally, demanding an end to the systemic injustices faced by religious minorities in Iran, with a firm belief that these injustices cannot be overlooked any longer.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iran’s human rights violations, extending the mandates for the UN Special Rapporteur and Independent International Fact-Finding Mission to address all human rights issues, particularly against the Bahá’í community. This resolution highlights systemic discrimination, arbitrary detentions, and severe violations of religious freedoms, prompting a unified international response calling for accountability and an end to the oppression of minorities.
The UN Human Rights Council’s recent resolution serves as a critical acknowledgment of the extensive human rights violations committed in Iran, particularly against the Bahá’í community and other minority groups. The extension and broadening of the mandates for monitoring these abuses reflect a unified international call for accountability. This situation showcases the urgent need for international advocacy to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of oppressed religious minorities in Iran, drawing attention to the intersectional discrimination faced by these vulnerable communities.
Original Source: iranpresswatch.org
