Written question asked by Rupa Huq (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 September 2025. It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Thursday, 18 September 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iran: Baha'i Faith

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with the Iranian authorities on attacks on the Baha’i community including the illegal obtention of property and assets; and what steps is he taking to ensure (a) their protection and (b) the promotion of religious freedom in the country.

Answer: The UK strongly condemns the repression of religious minorities in Iran, including Baha'is. On 18 March, the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN highlighted the continued systematic targeting and repression of religious minorities at the UN Human Rights Council. We were integral to the delivery of an Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 3 April, which renewed and expanded the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to investigate a wider breadth of violations, and to establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of such violations, including discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. On 3 July, the Special Envoy met Baha'i International Community UN Representative, Simin Fahandej, to discuss the current and historic situation of  Baha'is in Iran, and on 8 July, delivered a speech where he highlighted Baha'is acute vulnerability to scapegoating, incitement and threats of violence from authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 74935
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Iran: Detainees
Thursday, 30 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Baha'i faith Iran Religious freedom Violence
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk