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Written question asked by Imran Ahmad Khan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 2021. It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Friday, 28 May 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iran: Zoroastrianism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Iranian counterpart on the persecution of Zoroastrians in that country.

Answer

The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. Promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities.

While Zoroastrians are formally protected in the Iranian constitution, the reality is that many non-Muslims face discrimination. Meanwhile, the Baha'i community in Iran continue to be systematically discriminated against, harassed, and targeted. We have repeatedly raised these persistent human rights violations with Iran. On 9 March, at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK called on Iran to end the discrimination and persecution of religious minorities, particularly towards the Baha'i and Christian converts.

We condemn the incarceration of all religious minorities for the act of practicing their faith in Iran. We regularly raise human rights with the Iranians at all levels and take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all human rights issues.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
4069
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Iran Oppression Zoroastrianism
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk