Written question asked by Lord Dholakia (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 July 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 July 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 July 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Yemen: Baha'i Faith

Question: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the statement by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief that the "recent escalation in persistent pattern of persecution of the Baha'i community in Sana'a mirrors the persecution suffered by the Baha'i living in Iran", what assessment they have made of the influence of Iran against the interests of the Baha'i community in Sana'a, Yemen.

Answer: We share the UN Special Rapporteur's concerns about the persecution of the Baha'i community in Yemen. We have raised our concerns with the Government of Yemen, and sought to highlight their plight through public diplomacy. We call on all parties to respect freedom of religion and belief and to protect the fundamental human rights of all Yemenis. We are concerned by Iranian support for the Houthis, and encourage Iran to show it can be constructive through promoting stability and showing commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

Secondary information