Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Anderson of Swansea (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 19 January 2009.

Iran: Human Rights

Question: My Lords, historically, Persia/Iran has a proud record in the field of education and tolerance, even from the time of Cyrus, yet we know that the Baha’i community is prevented from attending universities and, now, apparently even from attending schools. That is contrary to the obligations incurred by the Islamic republic under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, indeed, under Article 33 of the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights. Whether it be sotto voce or through the United Nations agencies, what are we doing to remind Iran of its international obligations in respect of the Baha’i?

Answer: My Lords, I assure my noble friend that we and the EU have raised these matters regarding the Baha’i, as well as others. We are very concerned about the seven Baha’i leaders currently under arrest—a matter that has already been raised in this House. No one in Iran can be left in any doubt about our concern for these individuals and about the persecution of their religion.

Secondary information