UN Condemnation of Iran for Desecrating Baha’i Cemeteries
Iran’s government has been condemned by the UN for denying the destruction of Baha’i cemeteries, with Professor Nazila Ghanea highlighting systemic discrimination against Baha’is. The Iranian delegation’s claims of equitable land allocation for cemeteries were criticized as misleading. Recent reports reveal increasing government interference in Baha’i burial practices, prompting calls for accountability and greater protection of religious minorities.
On March 11, 2025, Iran faced condemnation at the United Nations regarding its treatment of Baha’i individuals. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, criticized Iran’s government for denying the ongoing desecration of Baha’i cemeteries. During the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, an Iranian representative rejected the findings of the Special Rapporteur’s report, which noted that Baha’is are barred from burying their deceased in designated cemetery spaces, forcing them instead to use mass grave sites.
The Iranian government attempted to mislead by asserting that the land allocation for cemeteries was conducted fairly, yet this claim remains unfounded in light of the evident discrimination faced by the Baha’i community. In her response, Professor Ghanea highlighted the continued persecution of religious minorities in Iran and criticized the Iranian delegation’s dismissive stance, emphasizing that state obligations to protect its largest non-Muslim minority must not be overshadowed by claims of private land ownership.
Professor Ghanea noted, “One cannot hide behind claims that a cemetery is private, to sideline state obligations in relation to its largest non-Muslim religious minority community, the Baha’is in Iran.” She reiterated that Baha’i cemeteries throughout Iran have been systematically destroyed or desecrated, with authorities creating unnecessary obstructions to delay burials. This elucidation aligns with the prior assertions made by former Special Rapporteur Heiner Bielefeldt regarding the pervasive extent of Baha’i persecution, underscoring it as a severe example of religious oppression.
Simin Fahandej, representing the Baha’i International Community, stated, “In Iran, the Baha’is have been denied not only the right to live peacefully, but even to die in peace.” She highlighted how the Iranian government’s actions demonstrate an intentional effort to erase Baha’i cultural identity while exacerbating the mental anguish of families. In the last year, incidents of interference with Baha’i burials have been reported in 14 major cities, with government operatives taking control of cemetery management.
Significant support for Baha’i rights was expressed by Canada during the UN session, which noted concern over the destruction of cemeteries and the offenses against funeral rights for religious minorities. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Baha’is in Iran have persistently faced challenges including denied burial rites and forced interments in mass graves.
A 1991 document setup a policy to suppress the Baha’i community, restricting their access to education, employment, and civic participation. Baha’is in Iran endure arbitrary arrests, property destruction, and harassment, which have been condemned by various international bodies. The Baha’i International Community continues to advocate for accountability regarding these widespread human rights violations.
The ongoing issues faced by the Baha’i community in Iran, involving cemetery desecrations and systemic discrimination, represent a broader pattern of persecution that has persisted for decades. The UN Special Rapporteur’s strong denunciation of the Iranian government’s actions emphasizes the need for international attention and intervention. As the call for protection of the Baha’is’ rights intensifies, there remains a critical need for accountability and a commitment to uphold human dignity for all, particularly for marginalized religious communities. The continuous advocacy efforts of the Baha’i International Community signal a robust opposition to the violations being experienced, urging the global community to demand justice and protect fundamental human rights in Iran.
Original Source: iranpresswatch.org
