{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-archive-page-jsx","path":"/archive/42/","result":{"pageContext":{"strings":{"about":"About","additional_articles":"Additional Articles","administration":"Administration","africa":"Africa","all_bahaiorg_sites":"All Bahai.org Sites","all_sites":"All sites","all_sites_arising_serve":"Arising to Serve","all_sites_arising_serve_caption":"A film recounting highlights of the 41 regional Bahá’í conferences called by the Universal House of Justice in 2008","all_sites_bahai_org":"The official website of the worldwide Bahá’í community","all_sites_bahai_org_library":"Bahá’í Reference Library","all_sites_bahai_org_library_caption":"The authoritative online source of Bahá’í writings","all_sites_bahaullah_org":"The Life of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bahaullah_org_caption":"A photographic narrative of the life of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bic":"Bahá’í International Community Representative Offices","all_sites_bic_caption":"The official website of the Bahá’í International Community’s Representative Offices. The site contains news and information about recent activity and provides access to BIC statements, reports, and other publications","all_sites_bicentenary":"Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bicentenary_bab":"Bicentenary of the Birth of The Báb","all_sites_bicentenary_caption":"The official international website for the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_frontiers_learning":"Frontiers of Learning","all_sites_frontiers_learning_caption":"This film captures the insights and experiences of people from four communities across the world whose efforts to build vibrant communities are at the frontiers of learning","all_sites_light_to_the_world":"Light to the World","all_sites_light_to_the_world_caption":"A feature film about the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_media_bank":"Bahá’í Media Bank","all_sites_media_bank_caption":"Photographs available for downloading","all_sites_national_communities":"National Bahá’í Communities","all_sites_national_communities_caption":"A page containing links to the websites of many national Bahá’í communities from around the world","all_sites_news_bahai_org_caption":"The official news website of the worldwide Bahá’í community","all_sites_title":"Official Bahá’í Sites","all_sites_universalhouseofjustice_org":"The Universal House of Justice","all_sites_universalhouseofjustice_org_caption":"Information about the Universal House of Justice and selected statements and letters","all_sites_widening_embrace":"A Widening Embrace","all_sites_widening_embrace_caption":"A documentary film about the community-building efforts of the Bahá’í world","americas":"Americas","android":"Android","archive_results_to_of_a":"Results","archive_results_to_of_b":"to","archive_results_to_of_c":"of","asia":"Asia","back_to_story":"Back to Story","bahai_international_community":"Bahá'í International Community","bahai_media_bank":"Bahá’í Media Bank","bahai_reference_library":"Bahá’í Reference Library","bahai_world_centre":"Bahá’í World Centre","bahai_world_news_service":"Bahá’í World News Service","bahai_world_news_service_bwns":"Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)","bahaiorg_home":"Bahai.org Home","bahais_semnan":"The Bahá’ís of Semnan","battambang_cambodia_house_worship":"House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia","battambang_cambodia_temple":"Battambang, Cambodia Temple Inauguration","before_downloading_terms":"Before downloading please refer to the [Terms of use](/legal/).","bic_un_office":"Bahá’í International Community\nUN Office","brief_history":"Brief history","bwns_noTranslation":"BWNS","cdn_documentlibrary_path":"http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/","cdn_images_path":"//bwns.imgix.net/","chile_house_worship":"Chile House of Worship","chile_temple":"Chile Temple Inauguration","close":"Close","closed_doors_denial_education_iran":"Closed Doors: Denial of Education in Iran","comma":",","comprehensive_report":"Comprehensive report","contact":"Contact","contact_h1":"Contacting the Bahá’í World News Service","contact_h2":"Contacting Bahá’í institutions","contact_h3":"Reporting technical problems","contact_information":"Contact Information","contact_p1":"General inquiries about BWNS can be directed to [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org). Information regarding news and media contacts is available in the [Media Information](/media-information/) section.","contact_p2":"The Bahá’í Faith is established in more than 100,000 localities in virtually every country and territory around the world. At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are guided by National Spiritual Assemblies, and a list of websites for many national Bahá’í communities can be found at the [National Communities page](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/) on Bahai.org.","contact_p3":"To report a technical problem with this site, please send a detailed description and screenshot of the issue, along with the address of the page where it occurred, to [webmaster@bahai.org](mailto:webmaster@bahai.org). Please note that this email address exists to receive reports of technical problems with the site and it is not possible to respond to other queries through this facility.","copy_link":"Copy Link","did_not_match_any_documents_showing_results_for":"did not match any documents. Showing results for","did_you_mean":"Did you mean:","download":"Download","download_highest_resolution":"Download highest resolution","email":"Email","email_address":"Email Address","enlarge":"Enlarge","error_page":"Error Occurred","error_page_p1":"Sorry. An error has occurred with your request. It would help us if you let us know what you were trying to do when this error occurred by using our [contact form](https://www.bahai.org/contact/).","europe":"Europe","featured_stories":"Featured stories","featured_videos":"Featured videos","follow_updates_via_instagram_twitter":"Follow the Bahá’í World News Service on Twitter and Instagram for regular updates and stories","from_bwns_archive":"From the Bahá’í World News Service archive","get_notified_stories":"Get notified of stories","highest_resolution":"Highest resolution","historical_photographs":"Historical photographs","homepage_feature_audio_h2":"Recent podcast episodes","homepage_feature_audio_h3":"Audio versions of stories","homepage_feature_audio_p1":"Selected audio content from around the globe","homepage_feature_h1":"Subscribe to BWNS Updates","houses_worship":"Houses of Worship","human_rights_iran":"Human Rights in Iran","images":"images","ios":"iOS","iran_news_stories":"Iran News Stories","key_terms_facts":"Key terms and facts","latest_headlines":"Latest headlines","latest_video_category":"Latest","legal":"Legal","legal_h1":"Privacy","legal_h2":"Terms of Use","legal_information":"Legal Information","legal_li_1":"They must at all times be attributed to the Bahá’í World News Service.","legal_li_2":"Photographs and stories cannot be used in any way (including, without limitation, suggesting an association with or endorsement of any product, service, opinion or cause) that conflicts with the intent and premise of the original source.","legal_li_3":"Photographs may be edited for size only. Captions must remain with the photographs at all times.","legal_li_4":"The Bahá’í World News Service will not be responsible to any person or organization for any liability for any direct, incidental,  consequential, indirect, or punitive damages that may result from any access to or use of the stories and/or photographs on our site.","legal_li_5":"Although this blanket permission to reproduce BWNS material is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í World News Service retains full copyright protection for its stories and photographs under all applicable national and international laws.","legal_p1_1":"On this Web site we try to ensure your privacy. We collect only personal information provided by you on a voluntary basis, in order to respond to your queries and to send you any additional information and material that you request.","legal_p1_2":"Visitors to this Web site are not tracked, except to produce aggregate statistical data that does not identify individual users. Where we must use cookies to provide essential functionality, these are not used to track your use of the site or to store personally-identifiable information. Steps have been taken to ensure that all information collected from you will remain secure, free from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Please keep in mind that if you leave this site via a link, the other site may have a different policy regarding privacy.","legal_p1_3a":"We occasionally update this privacy policy and encourage you to review it periodically. If you wish to correct your personal information, or have questions regarding this policy, please send an email message to","legal_p1_3b":"or call the Bahá’í World News Service at +972 (4) 835-8412, between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. GMT +2, Sunday through Thursday.","legal_p2_1":"All stories and photographs produced by the Bahá’í World News Service may be freely reprinted, e-mailed, posted to the World Wide Web and otherwise reproduced by any individual or organization, subject to the following restrictions:","legal_p2_2":"The Bahá’í World News Service is an agency of the Bahá’í International Community, a nongovernmental organization that represents and encompasses the five million members of the Bahá’í Faith.","links_other_websites":"Links to other Web sites","listen":"Listen","listen_bwns":"Listen to BWNS","load_more_results":"Load more results","media_bank":"Media Bank","media_information":"Media Information","media_information_about_bwns":"About BWNS","media_information_administration_h2":"International","media_information_administration_h3":"National","media_information_administration_h4":"Local","media_information_administration_p1":"The Bahá’í Faith is administered by a series of elected bodies at the local, national, and international levels. There is no class of ecclesiastics or clergy.","media_information_administration_p2":"The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. It is the supreme administrative body ordained by Bahá’u’lláh in His book of laws. The Universal House of Justice is elected every five years at the International Bahá’í Convention, where members of the National Spiritual Assemblies (see below) around the world serve as delegates. The Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. Its permanent seat is on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_administration_p3":"At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member elected council responsible for guiding, co-ordinating, and stimulating the activities of Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual members of the Bahá’í community within a given country. The responsibilities of a National Spiritual Assembly include channelling the community’s financial resources, fostering the growth and vibrancy of the national Bahá’í community, supervising the affairs of the community including its social and economic development activities and its properties, overseeing relations with government, resolving questions from individuals and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and strengthening the participation of the Bahá’í community in the life of society at the national level.","media_information_administration_p4":"At the local level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Each Local Assembly consists of nine members who are chosen in annual elections. As with all other elected Bahá’í institutions, the Assembly functions as a body and makes decisions through consultation. The responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly include promoting the spiritual education of children and young people, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of Bahá’í community life, assessing and utilizing the community’s resources, and ensuring that the energies and talents of community members contribute towards progress.","media_information_administration_p5":"In addition, the Bahá’í Faith has **counsellors**, appointed to five-year terms by the Universal House of Justice, who serve as advisers in countries and regions around the world. Currently there are 90 such counsellors assigned to specific countries or regions, and an additional nine counsellors who constitute the membership of the International Teaching Centre at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa.","media_information_administration_p6":"The Bahá’í International Community is a non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations (UN) as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_a":"the Seat of the Universal House of Justice,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_b":"the International Teaching Centre,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_c":"the Centre for the Study of the Texts,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_d":"the International Archives Building.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p1":"The spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá’í Faith is permanently established in the Acre-Haifa area of northern Israel, following the explicit instructions of Bahá’u’lláh.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p2":"The burial place, or shrine, of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre and that of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa are the holiest spots on earth for Bahá’ís. Other sites associated with the life of Bahá’u’lláh as well as the burial site of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are revered by Bahá’ís as holy places.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p3":"The shrines are the object of pilgrimage for thousands of Bahá’ís each year.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p4":"The administrative offices are positioned in an Arc across Mount Carmel in Haifa and include:","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p5":"Also in Haifa are the Bahá’í International Community’s Secretariat and Office of Public Information.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p6":"The Bahá’í World Centre is known for the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre, and also for the gardens and terraces surrounding the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p7":"At this time the Shrine of the Báb is open to the public.","media_information_brief_history_p1":"The Bahá’í Faith traces its origin to 1844 and the announcement by a young man, Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), that He had been sent by God to prepare humanity for a new age and the imminent appearance of another Messenger even greater than Himself.","media_information_brief_history_p10":"During the 40 years of His exile, Bahá’u’lláh revealed a series of books, tablets, and letters that today form the core of the **holy writings of the Bahá’í Faith**. Comprising the equivalent of some 100 volumes, the writings of Bahá’u’lláh describe the nature of God and the purpose of human existence, give new religious laws, and outline a vision for creating a peaceful and prosperous global society.","media_information_brief_history_p11":"In His will, Bahá’u’lláh named His eldest son, ‘Abbás Effendi (1844-1921), as the head of the Bahá’í Faith and authorized interpreter of His teachings. ‘Abbás Effendi, known to Bahá’ís as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (“Servant of Bahá”), became well-known in the Haifa/Acre area for his charitable works, and he also traveled through Europe and North America to encourage nascent Bahá’í communities and to proclaim Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the general public. The writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are considered part of the sacred scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_brief_history_p12":"‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in 1921. In his will he had designated his grandson **Shoghi Effendi** (1897-1957) as his successor, with the title of **Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith**. During the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, the religion spread around the world, and its local and national administrative institutions were established. With the passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957, the line of hereditary leaders of the Bahá’í Faith came to an end.","media_information_brief_history_p13":"Following provisions established by Bahá’u’lláh, in 1963 the **Universal House of Justice** was elected to direct the affairs of the worldwide Bahá’í community. The nine members of the Universal House of Justice are elected every five years by the members of the Bahá’í national administrative bodies around the world.","media_information_brief_history_p2":"Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad took the title of the **Báb** (meaning “Gate” in Arabic) and said the one whose coming He foretold would be the universal Manifestation of God sent to inaugurate an age of peace and enlightenment as promised in all the world’s religions.","media_information_brief_history_p3":"The Báb’s teachings, which spread rapidly, were viewed as heretical by the clergy and government of Persia. More than 20,000 of His followers, known as Bábís, perished in a series of massacres throughout the country.","media_information_brief_history_p4":"The Báb Himself was publicly executed in the city of Tabriz on 9 July 1850.","media_information_brief_history_p5":"Bahá’ís consider the Báb to be both an independent Messenger of God and the forerunner of **Bahá’u’lláh** (“the Glory of God” in Arabic), who is the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_brief_history_p6":"Bahá’u’lláh, whose name was Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, was born into a noble family in Tehran on 12 November 1817. In His mid-20s, He declined a life of privilege and became one of the leading disciples of the Báb.","media_information_brief_history_p7":"In 1852, in the course of the persecution of the Bábís, He was arrested, beaten, and thrown into an infamous dungeon in Tehran. After four months, He was released and banished from His native land – the beginning of 40 years of exile and imprisonment.","media_information_brief_history_p8":"He was first sent to Baghdad, where He and His companions stayed for 10 years. In 1863, on the eve of His further banishment to what is now Turkey and then to the Holy Land, Bahá’u’lláh announced that He was the Universal Messenger of God foretold by the Báb.","media_information_brief_history_p9":"In 1868, Bahá’u’lláh arrived in the Holy Land with about 70 family members and followers, sentenced by the Ottoman authorities to perpetual confinement in the penal colony of Acre. The order of confinement was never lifted, but because of the growing recognition of His outstanding character, He eventually was able to move outside the walls of the prison city. He lived His final years at a country home called Bahjí, where He passed away in 1892. He was interred there, and His shrine is the holiest place on earth for Bahá’ís.","media_information_description":"Contacts, facts, style guide,\ngeneral information, and photos","media_information_h1":"National and local","media_information_h2":"International","media_information_h2_a":"Bahá’í World News Service","media_information_h2_b":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_h2_c":"Bahá’í International Community - United Nations Offices:","media_information_h2_e":"For languages other than English:","media_information_houses_worship_li_1":"Wilmette, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1953.","media_information_houses_worship_li_2":"Kampala, Uganda. Opened in 1961.","media_information_houses_worship_li_3":"Sydney, Australia. Opened in 1961.","media_information_houses_worship_li_4":"Frankfurt, Germany. Opened in 1964.","media_information_houses_worship_li_5":"Panama City, Panama. Opened in 1972.","media_information_houses_worship_li_6":"Apia, Samoa. Opened in 1984.","media_information_houses_worship_li_7":"New Delhi, India. Opened in 1986.","media_information_houses_worship_li_8":"Santiago, Chile. Opened in 2016.","media_information_houses_worship_li_9":"Battambang, Cambodia. Opened in 2017.","media_information_houses_worship_li_10":"Norte del Cauca, Colombia. Opened in 2018.","media_information_houses_worship_li_11":"Matunda Soy, Kenya. Opened in 2021.","media_information_houses_worship_li_12":"Tanna, Vanuatu. Opened in 2021.","media_information_houses_worship_li_13":"Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Opened in 2023.","media_information_houses_worship_li_14":"Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Opened in 2024.","media_information_houses_worship_p1":"Bahá’u’lláh designated Bahá’í Houses of Worship as spiritual gathering places for prayer and meditation around which will cluster social, humanitarian, educational, and scientific institutions. Eight continental, two national, and four local Bahá’í Houses of Worship have been built.","media_information_houses_worship_p2":"The physical structure of a House of Worship comprises a central building—a House of Worship—along with several dependencies. While the House of Worship forms the focal point of worship in a geographical area, its purpose is not solely to provide a place for prayer. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained that, through the provision of education, healthcare and other services it is also to support the social and economic progress of the community and afford shelter, relief and assistance to those in need. In this connection, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá anticipated that subsidiary branches—such as a hospital, school, university, dispensary, and hospice—would gradually be added to a House of Worship. Bahá’u’lláh refers to the House of Worship as a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Arabic for “dawning place of the mention of God.”","media_information_houses_worship_p3":"Bahá’í Houses of Worship are located in:","media_information_houses_worship_p4":"Plans are underway to build a national House of Worship in Brazil, Canada, and Malawi. A local House of Worship is also being constructed in Batouri, Cameroon; Bihar Sharif, India; Kanchanpur, Nepal; and Mwinilunga, Zambia. At the local level, meetings for worship are held regularly in Bahá’í centers and in the homes of believers all over the world.","media_information_key_terms_facts_h1":"Name of the religion and of the organization – the Bahá’í Faith","media_information_key_terms_facts_h2":"Founder of the Bahá’í Faith – Bahá’u’lláh","media_information_key_terms_facts_h3":"Year of founding – 1844","media_information_key_terms_facts_h4":"Head of the religion – the Universal House of Justice","media_information_key_terms_facts_h5":"Number of Bahá’ís – more than 5 million","media_information_key_terms_facts_h6":"Description of the religion and key beliefs","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_a":"the unity of the races and elimination of prejudice,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_b":"the equality of women and men,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_c":"universal education,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_d":"the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_e":"a spiritual solution to economic problems,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_f":"establishment of a universal auxiliary language,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_g":"the harmony of science and religion,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_h":"the independent investigation of truth,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_i":"the creation of a world commonwealth of nations that will keep the peace through collective security.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_a":"The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_b":"A member is called a Bahá’í (plural: Bahá’ís). It is also correct to say that someone is a “member of the Bahá’í Faith,” a “follower of the Bahá’í Faith,” a “follower of Bahá’u’lláh,” or a member of the Bahá’í community of a given locality.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_c":"The term “Bahá’í International Community” refers to the non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations (UN) as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p2":"Bahá’ís consider Bahá’u’lláh to be the most recent in a line of great religious teachers, or Messengers of God, that includes Abraham, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Krishna, Muhammad, Moses, Zoroaster, and others. Bahá’u’lláh—the name is Arabic for “Glory of God”—was born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran, and passed away in 1892 in Acre, Israel. The coming of Bahá’u’lláh was announced by the Báb (Arabic for “Gate”), also considered by Bahá’ís to be a divine Messenger.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p3":"There are a number of important dates in the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith, but the first announcement by the Báb of the new religion came in 1844.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p4":"The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Bahá’í community, an elected body of nine men. Its seat is at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Around the world, in almost all countries, a National Spiritual Assembly oversees the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in that country, and Local Spiritual Assemblies oversee local affairs.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_a":"The Bahá’í Faith is an independent, monotheistic religion established in virtually every country of the world. Bahá’ís believe that the world’s major religions represent unfolding chapters in God’s teachings for humankind, and that the writings of Bahá’u’lláh represent God’s guidance for this age.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_b":"Bahá’u’lláh’s central teaching is the unity of humanity under one God.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_c":"Among the many Bahá’í principles are the following:","media_information_key_terms_facts_p7":"For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_li_a_1":"Phone (office): +972 (4) 835-8412","media_information_li_a_2":"E-mail, for news inquiries: [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org)","media_information_li_b_1":"Mr. Saleem Vaillaincourt (London)","media_information_li_b_2":"Senior information officer","media_information_li_b_3":"Phone (office): +1 (212) 803-2544","media_information_li_b_4":"E-mail: [media@bic.org](mailto:media@bic.org)","media_information_li_c_1":"Ms. Bani Dugal (New York)","media_information_li_c_2":"Principal Representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations","media_information_li_c_3":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_li_c_4":"Phone: +1 (212) 803-2500","media_information_li_c_5":"After-hours phone: +1 (914) 329-3020","media_information_li_c_6":"E-mail: [uno-nyc@bic.org](mailto:uno-nyc@bic.org)","media_information_li_d_1":"Ms. Simin Fahandej (Geneva)","media_information_li_d_2":"Representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations","media_information_li_d_3":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_li_d_4":"Phone: +41 (27) 798-5400","media_information_li_d_5":"After-hours phone: +41 (78) 880-0759","media_information_li_d_6":"E-mail: [geneva@bic.org](mailto:geneva@bic.org)","media_information_li_e_1":"Persian – Simin Fahandej, +41 (27) 798-5400","media_information_li_e_2":"French – Rachel Bayani, +32 (475) 750394","media_information_li_e_3":"To arrange other languages +972 (4) 835-8412","media_information_media_contacts":"Media Contacts","media_information_p1":"Editors, journalists, and other media professionals are encouraged to contact the National Office of the Bahá’ís of their own country. See [National Communities](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/).","media_information_p2":"BWNS reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","media_information_p3":"Information about the Bahá’í Faith is available at [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org/)","media_information_p_native":"The website for BWNS is located at [news.bahai.org](https://news.bahai.org/)","media_information_photographs_p1":"To arrange for photographs, you are encouraged to contact the office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the  Bahá’ís of your country. See [National Communities](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/).","media_information_photographs_p2":"For more information, or for international photographs, contact the Bahá’í World Centre:","media_information_photographs_p3":"Phone: +972 (4) 835-8412  \n            E-mail: [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org)","media_information_photographs_p4":"Photographs here may be downloaded and published, with photo credit given to the Bahá’í World Centre. [Terms of use](https://news.bahai.org/legal/).","media_information_photographs_p5":"Additional photos are available through the [Bahá’í Media Bank](https://media.bahai.org/). Images attached to articles in the [Bahá’í World News Service](https://news.bahai.org/) main site may also be downloaded.","media_information_photographs_p6":"Photographs of Bahá’ís imprisoned in Iran are available in the [Iran Update](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/photos.html) section of this Web site.","media_information_sidecontent_h1":"Bahá’ís in Iran","media_information_sidecontent_li":"Updates, background, photos","media_information_statistics_p1":"There are more than 5 million Bahá’ís in the world.","media_information_statistics_p2":"The Bahá’í Faith is established in virtually every country and in many dependent territories and overseas departments of countries. Bahá’ís reside in well over 100,000 localities. About 2,100 indigenous tribes, races, and ethnic groups are represented in the Bahá’í community.","media_information_statistics_p3":"There are currently 188 councils at the national level that oversee the work of communities. A network of over 300 training institutes, offering formal programs of Bahá’í education, span the globe.","media_information_statistics_p4":"Of the several thousand Bahá’í efforts in social and economic development, more than 900 are large-scale, sustained projects, including more than 600 schools and over 70 development agencies.","media_information_statistics_p5":"There are currently 14 Bahá’í Houses of Worship – in Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Germany, India, Kenya, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Uganda, the United States, and Vanuatu. Plans are underway to build a national House of Worship in Brazil, Canada, and Malawi. Local Houses of Worship are also being constructed in Batouri, Cameroon; Bihar Sharif, India; Kanchanpur, Nepal; and Mwinilunga, Zambia. At the local level, meetings for worship are held regularly in Bahá’í centers and in the homes of believers all over the world.","media_information_statistics_p6":"The Bahá’í International Community has been registered with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_statistics_p7":"Bahá’í writings and other literature have been translated into more than 800 languages.","media_information_statistics_p8":"Each year, around one million people visit the Bahá’í Shrine, terraces, and gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel.","media_information_statistics_p9":"In Iran, where the Bahá’í Faith originated, there are now about 300,000 Bahá’ís, constituting the largest religious minority in that country.","media_information_style_guide_h1":"Pronunciation guide","media_information_style_guide_h2":"Style guide and glossary","media_information_style_guide_p1":"**Bahá’í:**   Ba-HIGH  \n            **Bahá’u’lláh:**   Ba-ha-ul-LAH  \n            **Báb:**   Bahb (Bob)  \n            **‘Abdu’l-Bahá:**   Abdul ba-HAH  \n            **Naw-Rúz:**   Naw Rooz  \n            **Ridván:**   REZ-vahn","media_information_style_guide_p2_1":"**‘Abdu’l-Bahá** (1844-1921) – The son of Bahá’u’lláh who was the head of the Bahá’í Faith from 1892 to 1921. Bahá’u’lláh in His will had designated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá occupies a special station as the authoritative interpreter of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and as the perfect example of how a Bahá’í should live. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá traveled widely through Europe and North America from 1911-1913, explaining his Father’s teachings in talks, interviews, and addresses at universities, churches, temples, synagogues, and missions for the poor. (Bahá’ís capitalize pronouns—for example, “He”—that refers to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá out of respect for his special station. Such pronouns are not capitalized in this guide in deference to international journalistic style and also to avoid confusion with Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, who are considered to be divine Prophets.) For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_10":"**Bahá’í Faith** – The correct term for the religion is the Bahá’í Faith. It is an independent, monotheistic religion established in virtually every country of the world. It is not a sect of another religion. In a list of major religions, it would look like this: Hinduism, Zoroastrianism,  Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_style_guide_p2_11":"**Bahá’í International Community** – The Bahá’í International Community is a non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York. For more information, see [bic.org](https://www.bic.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_12":"**Bahá’í World Centre** – The spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá’í Faith, comprising the holy places in the Haifa/Acre area in northern Israel and the Arc of administrative buildings on Mount Carmel in Haifa. The Bahá’í World Centre itself uses the spelling “Centre”; elsewhere both “Centre” and “Center” are used, depending on the custom of the country.","media_information_style_guide_p2_13":"**Bahá’u’lláh** – The founder of the Bahá’í Faith, who lived from 1817 to 1892, considered by Bahá’ís to be the most recent divine Messenger, or Manifestation of God, in a line of great religious figures that includes Abraham, Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Moses, Muhammad, Zoroaster, the Báb, and others. Bahá’u’lláh was born in Tehran in present-day Iran, and passed away near Acre, in what is now Israel. “Bahá’u’lláh” is a title that means the “Glory of God” in Arabic; His name was Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí. His writings, which would equal about a hundred volumes, form the basis of the Bahá’í teachings. For more information, see [Bahai.org](http://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_14":"**Bahjí** – The place near Acre where the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh (His burial place) is located, as well as the mansion that was His last residence and surrounding gardens. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bahá’ís. The word “Bahjí” is Arabic for “delight.”","media_information_style_guide_p2_15":"**children’s classes** – Classes in moral education, open to all, that are provided for children, operated at the community level by the Bahá’í training institute.","media_information_style_guide_p2_16":"**Convention** – See [International Bahá’í Convention](#internationalbahaiconvention) and [National Bahá’í Convention](#nationalbahaicconvention).","media_information_style_guide_p2_18":"**counsellor** – An adviser appointed by the Universal House of Justice who serves in a particular geographic area or at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa. At present, there are 90 counsellors assigned to specific countries or regions, and nine counsellors who form the membership of the International Teaching Centre at the  Bahá’í World Centre. Appointments are for five years.","media_information_style_guide_p2_19":"**devotional meetings** – Gatherings, often in people’s homes, for prayers and to read the sacred writings of the Bahá’í Faith and other religions. Usually undertaken as an individual initiative.","media_information_style_guide_p2_2":"**accent marks** – Bahá’í, Bahá’u’lláh, and other names are written with accent marks, but many publications and websites do not have the facility for using such marks.","media_information_style_guide_p2_20":"**fast, the** – A period during which Bahá’ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sundown during the Bahá’í month of ‘Alá’, from 2 March to 20 March. Bahá’u’lláh enjoined His followers to pray and fast during this period. The sick, the traveler, and pregnant women, among others, are exempt.","media_information_style_guide_p2_21":"**feast** – See [Nineteen Day Feast](#nineteendayfeast).","media_information_style_guide_p2_22":"**Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith** – See [Shoghi Effendi](#shoghieffendi).","media_information_style_guide_p2_23":"**Haifa** – The city in northern Israel that, along with nearby Acre, is the location of the Bahá’í World Centre. The international administrative buildings of the Bahá’í Faith (including the Seat of the Universal House of Justice), the Shrine of the Báb, and surrounding terraces and gardens are all located on Mount Carmel in the heart of Haifa.","media_information_style_guide_p2_24":"**Holy days** – Eleven days that commemorate significant Bahá’í anniversaries. The nine holy days on which work is suspended are the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Birth of the Báb, Declaration of the Báb, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Martyrdom of the Báb, Naw-Rúz, Ridván (a 12-day festival, of which the first, ninth and 12th days are holy days). The other two holy days are the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. *See names of individual holy days.*","media_information_style_guide_p2_25":"**Holy Land** – The area associated with present-day Israel, which is holy to a number of religions, including to Bahá’ís. The resting places of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre and of the Báb in Haifa are, to Bahá’ís, the holiest spots on earth.","media_information_style_guide_p2_26":"**International Archives Building** – One of the buildings at the Bahá’í World Centre on Mount Carmel in Haifa. The repository of many sacred relics of the Bahá’í Faith, it is visited by thousands of Bahá’í pilgrims each year.","media_information_style_guide_p2_27":"**International Bahá’í Convention** – A gathering every five years of delegates from around the world to consult on the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith and elect the members of the Universal House of Justice. Members of the National Spiritual Assemblies serve as delegates.","media_information_style_guide_p2_28":"**International Teaching Centre** – One of the institutions at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa. The International Teaching Centre has nine members, all counsellors appointed by the Universal House of Justice. Appointments are for five years.","media_information_style_guide_p2_29":"**Local Spiritual Assembly** – At the local level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Each Local Assembly consists of nine members who are chosen in annual elections. As with all other elected Bahá’í institutions, the Assembly functions as a body and makes decisions through consultation. The responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly include promoting the spiritual education of children and young people, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of Bahá’í community life, assessing and utilizing the community’s resources, and ensuring that the energies and talents of community members contribute towards progress.","media_information_style_guide_p2_3":"**Acre**– English rendering of the name of the city north of Haifa where Bahá’u’lláh was exiled in 1868. He lived in or near the city until His passing in 1892. Bahá’ís often use the Arabic name, ‘Akká, which was the name in general use during the time of Bahá’u’lláh. In Hebrew the name is Akko.","media_information_style_guide_p2_30":"**Mount Carmel** – In Haifa, Israel, site of the Bahá’í World Centre, including several Bahá’í holy places, the most important of which is the Shrine of the Báb, and the buildings housing the administrative offices of the Bahá’í World Centre.","media_information_style_guide_p2_31":"**National Bahá’í Convention** – In each country, the annual gathering of elected delegates to discuss the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in their jurisdiction and to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.","media_information_style_guide_p2_32":"**National Spiritual Assembly** – At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member elected council responsible for guiding, co-ordinating, and stimulating the activities of Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual members of the Bahá’í community within a given country. The responsibilities of a National Spiritual Assembly include channelling the community’s financial resources, fostering the growth and vibrancy of the national Bahá’í community, supervising the affairs of the community including its social and economic development activities and its properties, overseeing relations with government, resolving questions from individuals and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and strengthening the participation of the Bahá’í community in the life of society at the national level.","media_information_style_guide_p2_33":"**Nineteen Day Feast** – An administrative gathering at the local level. The term refers to a spiritual “feast” of prayers,  consultation and fellowship. It is held every 19 days, on the first day of each Bahá’í month.","media_information_style_guide_p2_34":"**pilgrimage** – Each year thousands of Bahá’ís undertake pilgrimage, during which they forge a profound and lasting connection with the spiritual and administrative centre of their Faith, located in the Haifa-Acre area of what is now northern Israel. Bahá’í pilgrims pray and meditate at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the Shrine of the Báb, as well as in the beautiful gardens that surround them. They also draw inspiration from the time spent at various historical sites associated with the lives of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, as well as from visits to the edifices dedicated to the worldwide administration of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_style_guide_p2_35":"**progressive revelation** – The central belief that Manifestations of God have successively provided the guidance necessary for humanity’s social and spiritual evolution.","media_information_style_guide_p2_36":"**Regional Bahá’í Council** – In some countries, the National Spiritual Assembly assigns certain of its functions to Regional Bahá’í Councils, which serve a designated geographical area within the land in question. The responsibilities of a Regional Council may include carrying out policies of the National Spiritual Assembly, supervising progress of particular plans and projects, and taking steps to stimulate and coordinate the growth of the Bahá’í community within the region.","media_information_style_guide_p2_37":"**Shoghi Effendi** (1897-1957) – The head of the Bahá’í Faith from 1921 to 1957. His title is Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. He is the grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the great-grandson of Bahá’u’lláh. For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_38":"**Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh** – The resting place of the mortal remains of Bahá’u’lláh, located near the city of Acre in what is now Israel. The shrine is the holiest spot on earth to Bahá’ís and a place of pilgrimage.","media_information_style_guide_p2_39":"**Shrine of the Báb** – The resting place of the mortal remains of the Báb, located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. It is a sacred site to Bahá’ís and a place of pilgrimage.","media_information_style_guide_p2_4":"**‘Akká, Akko** – See entry above for “[Acre](#acre)”.","media_information_style_guide_p2_40":"**study circles** – A study circle is one of the principal elements of the process of distance education offered by the [Bahá’í training institute](https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute). It is a small group that meets regularly to study the institute course materials.","media_information_style_guide_p2_41":"**Universal House of Justice** – The international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. It is the supreme administrative body ordained by Bahá’u’lláh in His book of laws. The Universal House of Justice is elected every five years at the International Bahá’í Convention, where members of the National Spiritual Assemblies around the world serve as delegates. The Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. Its permanent seat is on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_style_guide_p2_5":"**Arc** – An area on Mount Carmel in Haifa, shaped like an arc, where the major international administrative buildings of the Bahá’í Faith, including the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, are situated.","media_information_style_guide_p2_6":"**Báb** – The title, meaning “Gate,” assumed by Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, the Founder of the Bábí Faith and the Forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh. Considered by Bahá’ís to be one of the twin Manifestations of God associated with the Bahá’í Faith. Born on 20 October 1819, the Báb proclaimed Himself to be the Promised One of Islam and said His mission was to announce the imminent coming of another Messenger even greater than Himself, namely Bahá’u’lláh. Because of these claims, the Báb was executed by firing squad in the public square in Tabriz on 9 July 1850. His remains were hidden in Iran for many years before being taken to Haifa/Acre in 1899 and buried on Mount Carmel in 1909. For more information, see [Bahai.org](http://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_7":"**Bábí Faith** – The religion founded by the Báb. After 1863 and the announcement by Bahá’u’lláh that He was the Messenger whose coming had been foretold by the Báb, the Bahá’í Faith gradually became established and most followers of the Báb began to call themselves Bahá’ís.","media_information_style_guide_p2_8":"**Badí‘ calendar** – The Bahá’í calendar, consisting of 19 months of 19 days each, with the addition of intercalary days known as Ayyám-i-Há. The number of these intercalary days varies according to the timing of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere in successive years. The first day of the year corresponds to the spring equinox. The Bahá’í era (B.E.) begins with 1844, the year of the Báb’s declaration. For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org/action/devotional-life/calendar).","media_information_style_guide_p2_9":"**Bahá’í** – (1) A noun referring to a member of the Bahá’í Faith. The plural is Bahá’ís. (2) An adjective describing a person, place, or thing related to the Bahá’í Faith. Examples: a Bahá’í book, the Bahá’í community, a Bahá’í holy day, a Bahá’í holy place.","media_reports":"Media Reports","menu":"Menu","meta_description_bwns":"The Bahá’í World News Service - BWNS - The official news source of the worldwide Bahá’í community, reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","minutes_short":"min","mobile_app":"Mobile app","national_bahai_communities":"National Bahá’í Communities","news_email":"news@bahai.org","news_service_home":"BWNS Home","no_matches_for":"No matches for","no_results_for":"No results for","number_of":"of","oceania":"Oceania","official_news_site":"Official news source of the worldwide Bahá’í community","one_country":"One Country","other_bahai_sites":"Other Bahá’í Sites","other_sites":"Other sites","other_stories":"Other Stories","overview_section":"Overview of this Section","page_link":"Page link","photographs":"Photographs","photographs_download":"Photographs for download","podcast":"Podcast","podcast_available":"Podcast available","podcast_description_bwns":"Reporting on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","podcast_p1":"The Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS) podcast reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","podcast_subscribe":"Subscribe to the BWNS podcast for additional audio content.","print":"Print","privacy":"Privacy","recent_articles":"Recent Articles","recent_headlines":"Recent headlines","recent_media_reports":"Recent media reports","recieve_stories_email":"Receive stories via email","related_stories":"Related Stories","results":"Results","return_top":"Return to top","rss":"RSS","search":"Search","search_bahai_reference_library":"Search the Bahá’í Reference Library","search_bahaiorg":"Search Bahai.org","search_news_service":"Search the News Service","section_shrine_of_abdulbaha_description":"Read reports on the progress","section_shrine_of_abdulbaha_title":"Coverage of Construction Work of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá","see_all":"See All","seven_bahais_leaders":"The Seven Bahá’í Leaders","share":"Share","share_this_article":"Share this article","share_this_page":"Share this page","show_more":"Show more","sign_up":"Sign Up","slideshow":"Slideshow","social_media_name_instagram":"Instagram","social_media_name_instagram_account":"bahaiworldnewsservice","social_media_name_twitter":"Twitter","social_media_name_twitter_account":"bahainews","special_reports":"SPECIAL REPORTS","special_reports_shrine_construction":"Coverage of construction work for the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá","statistics":"Statistics","story_archive":"Story Archive","style_glossary_pronunciation_guide":"Style guide, glossary and pronunciation guide","subscribe":"Subscribe","subscribe-confirmation-message":"Thank you for your interest in Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)","subscribe-souble-optin-email":"You will receive an email shortly, asking you to confirm your subscription.","subscribe_bot_submission":"This doesn't look like a human submission.","subscribe_check_email":"Please check your email to confirm your subscription!","subscribe_email_exists":"This email already exists! 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The seventh had been detained two months earlier on 5 March 2008.\n\nSince their arrests, the seven – whose names are Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm – have been subject to an entirely flawed judicial process.\n\nDuring their first year in detention, the seven were not told of the charges against them and they had virtually no access to lawyers. Their trial, conducted over a period of months in 2010 and amounting to only six days in court, was illegally closed to the public, demonstrated extreme bias on the part of prosecutors and judges, and was based on non-existent evidence.\n\nToday the seven endure harsh conditions in two of Iran's most notorious prisons. The five men are incarcerated at Gohardasht prison in Karaj, a facility known for its overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and dangerous environment. The two women remain at Tehran's infamous Evin Prison.\n\nThe Baha'i International Community has created a special section on its website to focus on the campaign. It features articles and documents about the lives and situation of the seven Baha'i leaders, along with a blog that will report on activities and events in the campaign as they happen.\n\nThe URL for that site is http://www.bic.org/fiveyears."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community\"](https://news.bahai.org/story/942)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":946,"relatedStoryCaption":"Human Rights Council votes to continue investigation."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":945,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur addresses state-sponsored persecution at side event."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":942,"relatedStoryCaption":"Report highlights incidents of violence and abuse against Iran's Baha'i community."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":953,"evergreenUrl":"eleventh-international-bahai-convention-global-community-reflects","title":"Eleventh International Baha'i Convention: A global community reflects","description":"More than 1,000 representatives of the Baha'i world community gathered here, 29 April-2 May, for a unique global event that was infused with...","date":"2013-05-04","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582766-953000.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582766-953000.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates gathered at the 11th International Baha'i Convention shared insights and experiences from their own countries.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"More than 1,000 representatives of the Baha'i world community gathered here, 29 April-2 May, for a unique global event that was infused with joy, reverence and purpose.\n\nThe eleventh International Baha'i Convention marked the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Convention in 1963 at which the Universal House of Justice – the international governing council of the Baha'i Faith – was first elected.\n\n**A global election**\n\nThe Convention saw the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice for the coming five year term. In a unique electoral process, all forms of campaigning, electioneering and nominations are strictly avoided. Rather, after prayerful reflection, the assembled delegates silently and privately wrote down the names of nine individuals who they felt would be best able to serve on the institution.\n\nFor more than three hours, the representatives then filed across the stage to deposit their votes in a simple wooden box. The following day, the result was announced, and the new membership of the Universal House of Justice received a warm and reverent welcome from the gathering. See https://news.bahai.org/story/951.\n\n**A learning community**\n\nCentral to the proceedings were consultative sessions during which delegates from more than 150 countries – women and men representative of every background and walk of life – had the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences and insights as part of a global learning process.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The main focus of deliberations was outlined in a letter from the Universal House of Justice, presented to the Convention.  The message described the work before the Baha'i community as it strives to contribute to the spiritual and material advancement of civilization.\n\nMany of the insights shared from diverse localities around the world – particularly concerning the efforts of young people to take responsibility for the spiritual education of those younger than themselves – had a universal resonance for delegates.\n\n\"I begin to identify with what people are talking about and I see the same challenges that we face and how people are managing to overcome it,\" said Nancy Oloro Robarts, a delegate from Uganda. \"And I start to appreciate that the Baha'i world is one.\"\n\nXimena Osorio from Colombia noted a visible change in the picture that is emerging of today's worldwide Baha'i community.\n\n\"Sometimes you don't realize it because you are in your own country, considering your own challenges,\" she said. \"But when you come here you can see that things are moving forward, we are changing and building a culture that is different.\"\n\n\"And all these different activities and elements that we are trying to apply at the very local level have an impact at the global level.\"\n\n**Tributes to the Baha'is of Iran**\n\nThe proceedings included several vibrant musical presentations from various countries.  In one, representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo paid special tribute to the long-suffering Baha'i community of Iran.\n\n\"Though they are physically not present at this Convention, they are spiritually with us,\" one of the singers told the gathering.\n\nThe absence of the Baha'is of Iran – where the Baha'i community faces intense persecution and its administration has been dissolved – was noted by the placement of a bouquet of red roses at the front of the stage for the duration of the Convention.\n\n**Vision and confidence **\n\nAs delegates returned to their respective countries, all took heart from the words of the Universal House of Justice which observed \"the Baha'i community moving steadily forward, advancing in understanding, eager to acquire insights from experience, ready to take on new tasks...\"\n\nVijitha Serasinghe, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sri Lanka, said both his vision and confidence had been raised by his participation in the Convention.\n\n\"I see unity in diversity and the oneness of humanity in reality,\" said Mr. Serasinghe.  \"I have a strong feeling to go back and carry out our activities with a lot more confidence than before.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582762-95301.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A group photograph of the 11th International Baha'i Convention. The bouquet of red roses in the foreground noted the absence of delegates from Iran."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582768-95302.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Prior to the opening of the 11th International Baha'i Convention, delegates had the opportunity to visit the Faith's holy places in Haifa and Acre. Here, representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies descend the garden terraces beneath the Shrine of the Bab."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582770-95303.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates approach the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, near Acre. Here they prayerfully reflected on their responsibilities during the forthcoming election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582764-95304.jpg"},"imageDescription":"In the foyer of the Convention Centre in Haifa, visitors viewed an exhibition highlighting activities of Baha'i communities in diverse parts of the world."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582777-95305.jpg"},"imageDescription":"On the day of the election of the Universal House of Justice, 29 April 2013, head chief teller Karen McKye of Canada reminded the delegates of the election procedure."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582773-95306.jpg"},"imageDescription":"After filling out their ballots, delegates arrived at the stage in country groups to deposit their votes in a simple wooden box."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582767-95307.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts her vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582766-95308.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts his vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582768-95309.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts her vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582769-95310.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts his vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582765-95311.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts her vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582770-95312.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts his vote in the election of the Universal House of Justice."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582772-95313.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The International Baha'i Convention program included two holy day observances at the Shrine of Baha'u'llah. The commemorations marked the sacred occasion of Ridvan, the holiest period in the Baha'i calendar."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582767-95314.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates attending the commemoration of the ninth day of Ridvan at the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, Acre."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582773-95315.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies pray in the gardens outside of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah near Acre."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582769-95316.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates to the 11th International Baha'i Convention read a message from the Universal House of Justice reviewing recent Baha'i activities and setting out a vision for future developments."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582766-95317.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate speaks at the 11th International Baha'i Convention."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582769-95318.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates to the 11th International Baha'i Convention take their place in the queue to share their insights and experiences."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582775-95319.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate listens intently to the deliberations at the 11th International Baha'i Convention."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582765-95320.jpg"},"imageDescription":"One National Spiritual Assembly representative shares thoughts with his fellow delegates at the 11th International Baha'i Convention."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582767-95321.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The consultative sessions were punctuated with vibrant musical presentations from various countries, including one dedicated to the Baha'is of Iran."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582771-95322.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate offers a song during a musical interlude at the 11th International Baha'i Convention."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":952,"relatedStoryCaption":"Documentary looks at developments in four communities."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":951,"relatedStoryCaption":"Results of election at 11th International Baha'i Convention announced."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":950,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 1,500 Baha'is cast ballots for election of international governing body."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":952,"evergreenUrl":"new-film-explores-community-building-throughout-world","title":"New film explores community-building throughout the world","description":"A documentary film about the efforts of Baha'i communities in four locations around the world has been released on the World Wide Web. The film,...","date":"2013-05-04","customDateline":null,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1544428220-95200.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1544428220-95200.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The film *Frontiers of Learning* is now available through Bahai.org.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":"https://www.bahai.org/frontiers/"}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"A documentary film about the efforts of Baha'i communities in four locations around the world has been released on the World Wide Web.\n\nThe film, titled *Frontiers of Learning*, explores processes of community development under way in thousands of localities worldwide by presenting four case studies from four continents: the northern part of the Bolivar region in Colombia; the city of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the city of Toronto, Canada; and the town of Bihar Sharif and surrounding areas in Bihar state, India.\n\nAmong other examples, the film shows how young teenagers in Toronto and Bolivar are channeling their energies in service to others and taking responsibility for the education of the next generation. The segment on Lubumbashi highlights how community-building initiatives have allowed women to play a full part in the life of their communities. Educational activities launched by Baha'is in Bihar Sharif have similarly assisted participants to reject deeply rooted prejudices of caste and gender.\n\n*Frontiers of Learning* was first shown earlier this week at the 11th International Baha'i Convention. It is available to [download and view online here](http://www.bahai.org/frontiers/)."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":951,"relatedStoryCaption":"Results of election at 11th International Baha'i Convention announced."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":950,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 1,500 Baha'is cast ballots for election of international governing body."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":949,"relatedStoryCaption":"Baha'is from around the world gather in Haifa for International Convention."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":951,"evergreenUrl":"universal-house-justice-elected","title":"Universal House of Justice elected","description":"The results of the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice have been announced. More than 1,500 ballots were cast yesterday...","date":"2013-04-30","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582737-951000.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582737-951000.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The members of the Universal House of Justice are, from left to right, Paul Lample, Firaydoun Javaheri, Payman Mohajer, Gustavo Correa, Shahriar Razavi, Stephen Birkland, Stephen Hall, Chuungu Malitonga, and Ayman Rouhani. They were elected by delegates to the 11th International Baha'i Convention in Haifa.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The results of the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice have been announced.\n\nMore than 1,500 ballots were cast yesterday for membership of the council that serves as the head of the Baha'i Faith. Those elected for the next five-year term are Paul Lample, Firaydoun Javaheri, Payman Mohajer, Gustavo Correa, Shahriar Razavi, Stephen Birkland, Stephen Hall, Chuungu Malitonga, and Ayman Rouhani.\n\nThe election marked the 50th anniversary of the first election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. The supreme governing council of the Baha'i Faith is entrusted by Baha'u'llah in His own writings with exerting a positive influence on the welfare of humankind, promoting education, peace and global prosperity, and safeguarding human honor and the position of religion. It is responsible for applying the Baha'i teachings to the requirements of an ever-evolving society and legislating on matters not explicitly covered in the Faith's sacred texts.\n\nThe delegates that voted in the election are themselves members of national Baha'i governing bodies from around the world. They were chosen in earlier elections in their own countries."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":950,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 1,500 Baha'is cast ballots for election of international governing body."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":849,"relatedStoryCaption":"Baha'is from around the world gather in Haifa for International Convention"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":848,"relatedStoryCaption":"Members of supreme governing council of the Baha'i Faith to leave Holy Land."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":950,"evergreenUrl":"bahais-elect-universal-house-justice-2013","title":"Baha'is elect Universal House of Justice","description":"More than 1,000 Baha'is from 157 countries cast their ballots today in the election to choose the nine members of the Universal House of Justice,...","date":"2013-04-29","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582717-95001.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582717-95001.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A delegate casts her ballot in the election of the Universal House of Justice, 29 April 2013.","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"More than 1,000 Baha'is from 157 countries cast their ballots today in the election to choose the nine members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith.\n\nFor some three hours, the delegates to the 11th International Baha'i Convention filed one by one across the stage, each dropping a ballot into a simple wooden box.  The event was characterized by a spirit of reverence and joy, with each voter being called by name, in alphabetical order by country.\n\nThe delegates to the convention are the members of Baha'i National Spiritual Assemblies, who were themselves elected by delegates chosen at the grassroots level in their own countries. Thus, virtually every adult Baha'i in the world has the opportunity to participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice.\n\nAround 400 delegates who could not attend sent ballots by mail.  Each absentee ballot was brought forward by a teller, who removed an identifying outer envelope and dropped the inner contents into the ballot box.\n\nIn the case of Iran, where the Baha'i community faces intense persecution and there is no National Spiritual Assembly, the absence of delegates was noted by the placement of a bouquet of red roses at the front of the stage.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"During the voting, a number of procedures were taken to ensure the integrity of the process and when the voting was completed, the ballot box was sealed with tape bearing the signature of the head chief teller, Karen McKye, herself a delegate from Canada. She was assisted by three other tellers on stage, who carefully checked voters and absentee ballots against a master list of delegates and saw to it that ballots were carefully placed in the box.\n\nThe result of the election will be announced tomorrow."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582717-95001.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates gathered in Haifa for the 11th International Baha'i Convention."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":949,"relatedStoryCaption":"Baha'is from around the world gather in Haifa to elect Universal House of Justice."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":948,"relatedStoryCaption":"Members of supreme governing council of the Baha'i Faith to leave Holy Land."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":946,"relatedStoryCaption":"Human Rights Council decides to continue investigation."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":949,"evergreenUrl":"delegates-arrive-international-bahai-convention","title":"Delegates arrive for International Baha'i Convention","description":"More than 1,000 delegates representing 157 countries have arrived here to participate in the 11th International Baha'i Convention. A global election...","date":"2013-04-27","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582507-img5908.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582507-img5908.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates are registered for the 11th International Baha'i Convention upon their arrival at the Haifa Convention Center.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"More than 1,000 delegates representing 157 countries have arrived here to participate in the 11th International Baha'i Convention.\n\nA global election process that began with Baha'is in more than 100,000 cities and villages around the world culminates on Monday, when delegates will gather to elect the nine members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Baha'i Faith.\n\nFirst elected 50 years ago in 1963, the Universal House of Justice is entrusted by Baha'u'llah in His own writings with exerting a positive influence on the welfare of humankind, promoting education, peace and global prosperity, and safeguarding human honor and the position of religion. It is responsible for applying the Baha'i teachings to the requirements of an ever-evolving society and legislating on matters not explicitly covered in the Faith's sacred texts.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The convention, held once every five years, runs from 29 April to 2 May. In addition to the election, it will include consultation on various issues related to the work of the worldwide Baha'i community.\n\nThe election process began more than a year ago when Baha'is around the world began meeting in district conventions to elect delegates to their own national conventions. At those national gatherings, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of each country is elected annually. The members of these Assemblies gather as electors at the global level for the International Baha'i Convention.\n\nAs well as the delegates attending the convention in person, more than 400 are sending their ballots by mail."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582507-94902.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Delegates from all over the world arrived in Haifa this week to participate in the 11th International Baha'i Convention."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":948,"relatedStoryCaption":"Members of supreme governing council of the Baha'i Faith to leave Holy Land."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":519,"relatedStoryCaption":"Holy days commemorated across the globe."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":816,"relatedStoryCaption":"New golden dome unveiled."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":948,"evergreenUrl":"two-members-universal-house-justice-leaving-after-years-service","title":"Two members of Universal House of Justice leaving after years of service","description":"Two members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith, are leaving after many years of service...","date":"2013-04-23","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582494-948.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582494-948.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Dr. Farzam Arbab (left) and Mr. Kiser Barnes (right).","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Two members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith, are leaving after many years of service in the Holy Land.\n\nThe Universal House of Justice announced in November 2012 that it had permitted Dr. Farzam Arbab and Mr. Kiser Barnes to relinquish their membership, but they will continue serving until the election of the body which is scheduled for next week.\n\nAll nine members of the Universal House of Justice are elected at the International Baha'i Convention, which is held every five years. The 11th such convention is scheduled for 29 April to 2 May in Haifa, with an expected attendance of more than 1,000 delegates.\n\nDr. Arbab, 71, was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1993.  Mr. Barnes, 70, was elected in 2000."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":816,"relatedStoryCaption":"New golden dome unveiled."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":519,"relatedStoryCaption":"Holy days commemorated across the globe."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":797,"relatedStoryCaption":"Garden used by Faith's Founder opened to visitors."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":947,"evergreenUrl":"causes-violence-against-women-examined-un","title":"Causes of violence against women examined at UN","description":"Breaking the cycle of violence against women will require basic changes at the level of culture, attitudes and beliefs – including a fundamental...","date":"2013-04-11","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582482-94701.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582482-94701.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The Baha'i International Community's delegation to the 57th UN Commission on the Status of Women.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Breaking the cycle of violence against women will require basic changes at the level of culture, attitudes and beliefs – including a fundamental reconception of prevailing notions of power.\n\nThese were among the ideas offered to this year's United Nations Commission on the Status of Women by the Baha'i International Community (BIC).\n\nAddressing the 57th Commission's main theme of the \"elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls,\" the BIC issued a [statement](http://www.bic.org/statements/towards-eradication-violence-against-women-and-girls) stressing the importance of taking steps to prevent violence against women instead of merely reacting to it.\n\n\"Prevention must begin by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the violence rather than its symptoms. Efforts aimed at prevention must consider the prevailing conceptions of gender identity and of power, and the forms of discrimination and disadvantage that place women and girls at risk of violence.\"\n\nThe conception of power especially needs to be \"seriously questioned and fundamentally redefined,\" said the statement.\n\n\"The dominant thinking of power as 'power over' must be replaced with the concept of 'power to' – power as a capacity of the individual or of the collective.\"\n\nIt continued: \"Distorted expressions of power and authority promote in children attitudes and habits that are carried to the workplace, to the community, and to public life.\"\n\nThe eight-person BIC delegation to the 57th Commission, which was held 4-15 March 2013, sought to contribute these ideas – and to \"build bridges and bring people together,\" said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the BIC to the United Nations.\n\n\"The last time the Commission focused on violence against women was in 2003, and member states were unable to agree on an outcome,\" said Ms. Dugal. \"As we spoke with delegates and other non-governmental organizations the consensus was clearly for a strong outcome document this year.\"\n\nThe Commission's agreed conclusions, indeed, were hailed by many groups for their language in support of women's rights and concrete measures to prevent violence and protect women.\n\n\"The Commission affirms that violence against women and girls is rooted in historical and structural inequality in power relations between women and men, and persists in every country in the world as a pervasive violation of the enjoyment of human rights.\"\n\nThe document also focused on preventative measures, such as education and awareness-raising, as well as efforts to address gender inequalities in the political, economic and social spheres."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":944,"relatedStoryCaption":"Paper emphasizes participation and cooperation."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":908,"relatedStoryCaption":"Side event during UN Commission on Population and Development focuses on youth education."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":896,"relatedStoryCaption":"Commission highlights empowerment of rural women."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":946,"evergreenUrl":"un-vote-highlights-human-rights-violations-iran","title":"UN vote highlights human rights violations in Iran","description":"The United Nations Human Rights Council today voted by an overwhelming margin for a continuing investigation into human rights violations in...","date":"2013-03-22","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582470-93700.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582470-93700.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The United Nations Human Rights Council has voted to continue an investigation into human rights violations in Iran. A 77-page report on the situation was recently presented by Ahmed Shaheed.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The United Nations Human Rights Council today voted by an overwhelming margin for a continuing investigation into human rights violations in Iran.\n\n\"For years, the Iranian government  has made excuses or blamed others in the face of mounting documentation that it severely represses its citizens in gross violation of international law – but the wide margin of today's vote confirms that the world is not buying its justifications,\" said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva.\n\n\"Iran needs to start cooperating with the Council by allowing Dr. Shaheed to visit the country so that he can carry out his work,\" said Ms. Ala'i. \"The fact that Dr. Shaheed has never been invited to visit Iran is merely more evidence of the Iranian government's disregard for international human rights mechanisms.\"\n\nThe vote, 26 to 2 with 17 abstentions, came after new reports by the investigator, Ahmed Shaheed, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Both reports expressed serious concern about the Iranian government's continued violations of human rights, discussing its widespread use of torture, the wrongful detention of journalists and lawyers, and discrimination against women and minorities.\n\nDr. Shaheed, whose formal title is Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, introduced his 77-page report in speech to the Council on 12 March.\n\nReferring to the persecution of religious minorities in Iran, he said \"that 110 Baha'is are currently detained in Iran for exercising their faith; that at least 13 Protestant Christians are currently in detention centres across Iran; and that Dervishes, members of the Yarasen faith, and Sunni Muslims continue to be the subject of punitive activities, raising serious concern about the situation of religious minorities in the country.\"\n\nMr. Ban's report to the Council also drew attention to a \"notable increase\" in the arrest and detention of Baha'is and said an \"ongoing anti-Baha'i media campaign resulted in increasing attacks on its members and their properties.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community\"](https://news.bahai.org/story/942)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":945,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur addresses state-sponsored persecution at side event."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":942,"relatedStoryCaption":"Report highlights incidents of violence and abuse against Iran's Baha'i community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":941,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur and Secretary-General call upon Iran to stop violations."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":945,"evergreenUrl":"persecution-bahais-iran-extends-across-all-stages-life","title":"Persecution of Baha'is in Iran extends across all stages of life","description":"The attacks against Baha'is in Iran represent one of the clearest cases of state-sponsored religious persecution in the world, said Heiner Bielefeldt,...","date":"2013-03-18","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582452-94500.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582452-94500.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Heiner Bielefeldt – the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief – described the situation of the Baha'is in Iran as \"one of the most obvious cases of state persecution.\" UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The attacks against Baha'is in Iran represent one of the clearest cases of state-sponsored religious persecution in the world, said Heiner Bielefeldt, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.\n\nSpeaking 6 March 2013 in Geneva at a side event during the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council, Dr. Bielefeldt discussed the release of a new report by the Baha'i International Community, which documents rising violence against Iranian Baha'is and the utter impunity enjoyed by attackers.\n\n\"It's really one of the most obvious cases of state persecution,\" he said, noting that the repression faced by Baha'is spans \"all areas of state activity, from family law provisions to schooling, education, and security.\"\n\nHe asked participants at the side event – which drew some 50 representatives from governments, the UN, and non-governmental organizations – to visualize the impact such wide-ranging persecution has on an individual as he or she moves through the stages of life.\n\n\"Imagine what that means for a child, in school, maybe even kindergarten, sometimes even in the preschool phase, of young life. To be exposed to the stigma, to be told there is something wrong with your family, that you have to change, you have to adapt,\" said Dr. Bielefeldt.\n\n\"Then, as the child gets to the age of higher education, now the problem is how to get access,\" he continued. \"We have lots of cases of Baha'is who have been expelled from universities and other sectors of higher education.\"\n\n\"Imagine what it means if a person wants to gather position in life, to get a job. There is not the slightest possibility for a Baha'i to take a position in any public sector (job). But even in the private sector, there is mobbing and stigmatization.\"\n\n\"How can a person start a family life, if in family law there is no official space for Baha'is to conclude valid marriages?\" he asked, noting that this deficiency affects concerns ranging from inheritance to rights of custody.\n\nAttacks do not even end with death, he added. \"There is the experience of desecration of cemeteries... (of) cemeteries being also bulldozed down by someone.\"\n\nPointing to the report, titled \"[Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community,](https://news.bahai.org/story/942)\" Dr. Bielefelt said that the increasing violence against Iranian Baha'is – and the degree to which attackers escape prosecution for their crimes – is clear.\n\n\"Not only do Baha'is have to expect a lack of protection – government agencies are very often inimical, hostile forces.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community\"](https://news.bahai.org/story/942)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":941,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur and Secretary-General call upon Iran to stop violations."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":942,"relatedStoryCaption":"Report highlights incidents of violence and abuse against Iran's Baha'i community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":939,"relatedStoryCaption":"U.S. House of Representatives expresses its condemnation of Iran's \"state-sponsored persecution\" of Baha'is."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":944,"evergreenUrl":"bic-statement-explores-new-concept-empowerment","title":"BIC statement explores a new concept of empowerment","description":"Concepts of empowerment that pit one group against another should be discarded in favor of a new vision where social transformation is approached...","date":"2013-03-12","customDateline":null,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582440-94401.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582440-94401.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Rose Kornfeld Matte, right, of Chile's National Service for Older People, speaks during a panel discussion at the offices of the Baha'i International Community on 7 February 2013 during the UN Commission on Social Development. At the left is Sewa Lamsal Adhikari of Nepal, Chairperson of the Commission. In the center is Ming Hwee Chong of the Baha'i International Community.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Concepts of empowerment that pit one group against another should be discarded in favor of a new vision where social transformation is approached as a collective enterprise in which all people are able to participate.\n\nThat was among the main themes of a [statement](http://www.bic.org/statements/empowerment-mechanism-social-transformation) issued by the Baha'i International Community (BIC) to the recently concluded UN Commission on Social Development.\n\n\"The impulse to rectify social inequalities is unquestionably noble, but us/them dichotomies only perpetuate and reinforce existing divisions,\" said the statement, which was titled \"Empowerment as a Mechanism for Social Transformation.\"\n\n\"Careful thought needs to be given to ways in which empowerment can be approached as a universal and shared enterprise and not something the 'haves' bestow on the 'have nots.'\"  One way to avoid such extremes is to understand humanity as a single social organism, suggested the statement.\n\n\"Implicit in such a conception are characteristics such as the interdependence of the parts and the whole, the indispensability of collaboration, reciprocity and mutual aid, the need to differentiate but also harmonize roles, the need for institutional arrangements that enable rather than oppress, and the existence of a collective purpose above that of any constituent element.\"\n\nThe statement was among the BIC's contributions to this year's Commission, which was held 6-15 February, and took as its priority theme the \"empowerment of people\" in addressing poverty, social integration, and full and decent employment.\n\nOn 7 February, the BIC sponsored a panel discussion on the topic. Among the panelists was the Commission's Chairperson, Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, who said empowerment is increasingly seen by the UN as a vital issue in addressing social transformation.\n\n\"Empowerment of people is at the root of social development,\" said Mrs. Adhikari. \"It is becoming one of the core elements that underpin efforts towards the achievement of the three core goals of the World Summit for Social Development: poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration.\"\n\n\"As such, empowerment is a means towards the ends of social development.\" Mrs. Adhikari is Charge d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations.\n\nMing Hwee Chong, a representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, suggested that it was no accident that the theme had reached center stage in discussions about social development.\n\n\"It is a natural evolution of the development discourse,\" said Mr. Chong, who moderated the panel. \"It is reflective of what is happening around the world, part of an expanding consciousness of who we are, what our potential is, both individually and collectively, as the human race.\"\n\nOther speakers at the 7 February side event – formally titled \"Empowerment: Of Whom? By what means? Towards what ends?\" – included Rosa Kornfeld Matte, director of the National Service for the Elderly in Chile; Corinne Woods, director of the Millennium Campaign; and Yao Ngoran from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.\n\nA second panel discussion sponsored by the BIC on 8 February, titled \"Empowerment in Action,\" offered reflections by grassroots development practitioners.\n\nHou Sopheap, executive director of the Cambodian Organization for Research, Development and Education (CORDE), said his organization takes a \"learning by doing\" approach that aims to build capacity in youth so that they can better serve their communities.\n\nA Baha'i-inspired organization offering supplementary educational programs to more than 3,000 young people in northwest Cambodia, CORDE requires its students engage in acts of service to their home communities in addition to textbook work. \"So everything has a component of study and of action,\" he said.\n\nJudith Therese Eligio-Martinez, program coordinator for the Baha'i-inspired agency, Bayan Association in Honduras, likewise said service is at the core of their program, which currently reaches some 6,000 high school age students in 12 of Honduras's 18 departments.\n\n\"It is built upon the belief in the capacity of the individual to make decisions for him or herself, and to help develop the capacities of three major actors (in community development): the individual, the community, and institutions,\" said Ms. Eligio-Martinez.\n\nDeveloped in Colombia by a Baha'i-inspired organization, FUNDAEC, and known by the acronym SAT, for \"Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial\" in Spanish, the program trains and coordinates community-based tutors who then offer a high school education appropriate for rural areas.\n\n\"We consider SAT to be a creative way of becoming educated, but with its center being the idea of service to humanity and making the world a better place to live, on a local level as much as possible,\" said Ms. Eligio-Martinez.  \"And in this way, we feel we are contributing to empowerment.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":908,"relatedStoryCaption":"Side event during UN Commission on Population and Development focuses on youth education."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":914,"relatedStoryCaption":"International event provides space for exploration of issues related to sustainable development."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":886,"relatedStoryCaption":"Discussion addresses growing instability from economic disparity."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":943,"evergreenUrl":"masud-khamsi-1922-2013","title":"Mas'ud Khamsi, 1922-2013","description":"Mas'ud Khamsi, former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, passed away on 5 March in Lima, Peru. The Universal House of Justice...","date":"2013-03-08","customDateline":null,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582426-94301.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582426-94301.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Mr. Mas'ud Khamsi","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Mas'ud Khamsi, former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, passed away on 5 March in Lima, Peru.\n\nThe Universal House of Justice sent the following message to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 8 March.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ManualContentRecord","inlineHtml":"<center>* * *</center>"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Our hearts were grieved to learn of the passing of dearly loved, stalwart promoter of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, Mas'ud Khamsi, whose long record of distinguished service we recall with such admiration.  In 1957, in response to the goals of the Guardian's Ten Year Crusade, he left Iran as a pioneer to South America, participating in some of the earliest efforts to reach its highly receptive indigenous populations.  Following his return to Iran, he was appointed to the first contingent of Continental Counsellors in 1968 as a member of the Board for Western Asia.  He departed once again for South America within months and, for the next fourteen years, served as a Counsellor in that continent.  In 1983 he was appointed as a member of the International Teaching Centre, in which capacity he laboured for a decade.  His endeavours thereafter continued unabated, even at an advanced age.  In every service he rendered – in the treks he undertook on foot from village to village across vast mountain ranges; in his efforts to encourage young people; in the travels he pursued, bringing his zeal for teaching to some of the remotest parts of the globe – he displayed a generosity of spirit, a warmth of heart, and a determination and courage that were borne of utter consecration and complete loyalty to the Cause of Baha'u'llah.\n\nWe extend our deepest sympathy to his dear wife, Jane, his children, and other members of his family and assure them of our fervent supplications at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of his devoted soul in the realms of God.  We advise the holding of befitting memorial gatherings in his honour in all Houses of Worship and in Baha'i communities throughout the world.\n\nThe Universal House of Justice"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"In Memoriam"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":840,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former member of the Universal House of Justice was 74 years old."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":892,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former member of the Universal House of Justice was 74 years old."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":871,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former member of the Universal House of Justice was 82 years old."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":942,"evergreenUrl":"increasing-violence-against-iranian-bahais-engineered-government","title":"Increasing violence against Iranian Baha'is engineered by government","description":"In a report released today, the Baha'i International Community documents hundreds of incidents of torture, physical assault, arson, vandalism,...","date":"2013-03-06","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582409-94201violencecover.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582409-94201violencecover.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The 45 page report documents incidents of violence and abuse against Iran's Baha'i community.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"In a report released today, the Baha'i International Community documents hundreds of incidents of torture, physical assault, arson, vandalism, cemetery desecration and the abuse of schoolchildren directed against the Iranian Baha'i community since 2005 – all carried out with utter impunity.\n\n\"The entire situation puts the Baha'is in an impossible position because they must ask for justice and protection from the same authorities who are systematically inciting hatred against them and from a judicial system that treats virtually every Baha'i who is arrested as an enemy of the state,\" said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva.\n\n\"This report shows that attacks on Baha'is are engineered by government agents and actively encouraged by the authorities and the Muslim clergy in Iran – and that attackers are well aware that they will go unpunished,\" added Ms. Ala'i.\n\nTitled \"Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community,\" the 45-page report provides case studies and statistics that document a rising tide of violence against Baha'is – and the complete absence of prosecution for attackers.\n\nFocusing on the seven year period from 2005-2012, the report says there have been at least 52 cases where Baha'is have been tortured or held in solitary confinement while in detention. It likewise documents another 52 incidents where Baha'is have been physically assaulted – sometimes at the hands of officials and sometimes at the hands of plainclothes or unidentified attackers.\n\nThe report also describes some 49 acts of arson against Baha'i homes and shops, and at least 42 incidents of cemetery desecration. There have also been at least 30 cases of vandalism directed against Baha'i properties, more than 200 instances of threats made against Baha'is, and some 300 incidents of abuse directed against Baha'i schoolchildren.\n\n\"Many of the attacks documented in the report – such as the cases of torture or assault during arrests and imprisonment – are undertaken directly by government agents,\" said Ms. Ala'i. \"Other attacks, such as arson, cemetery desecration, and vandalism, often come in the middle of the night, by unidentified individuals.\n\n\"But in all cases, these violators need to be brought to justice, as is required by the international laws to which Iran is a party. The government's unwillingness to prosecute for these crimes, then, is yet another element in their overall campaign of religious persecution against the Baha'i minority,\" said Ms. Ala'i."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran's Baha'i community"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Full report)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/941_Violence-with-Impunity.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 840KB)","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":941,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur and Secretary-General call upon Iran to stop violations."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":938,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 500 support awareness-raising marathon run in Bangalore."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":930,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 500 support awareness-raising marathon run in Bangalore."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":941,"evergreenUrl":"new-un-report-calls-release-seven-imprisoned-bahai-leaders","title":"New UN report calls for release of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders","description":"The UN's independent investigator on Iran has called for the immediate release of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders, asking that Iran \"fully honor\"...","date":"2013-03-05","customDateline":null,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582397-shaheed2.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582397-shaheed2.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Ahmed Shaheed (left), the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon have submitted reports on the continuing persecution of lawyers, journalists, activists and minorities, including Baha’is, in the country. UN Photo/ Paulo Filgueiras.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The UN's independent investigator on Iran has called for the immediate release of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders, asking that Iran \"fully honor\" its legal commitments to freedom of religion or belief.\n\nThe plea came last week from Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, in his annual report to the Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva.\n\nIn a separate report to the Council, also issued on 28 February 2013, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon underscored the serious concerns raised by Dr. Shaheed. Mr. Ban highlighted the magnitude and scope of ongoing human rights violations in Iran, including the widespread use of torture, the detention of lawyers and journalists, and continuing repression of minorities.  In this latter respect, he noted that \"serious discrimination in law and in practice against ethnic and religious minorities continues to be reported, especially against the Baha'i community.\"\n\n\"An ongoing anti-Baha'i media campaign resulted in increasing attacks on its members and their properties,\" said Mr. Ban. \"This national campaign that consists of anti-Baha'i pamphlets, posters, seminars and the broadcasting of anti-Baha'i speeches on radio networks appears to be tacitly condoned by the authorities.\" He said there has been a \"notable increase\" in the arrest and detention of Baha'is, with more than 100 currently in prison.\n\nOverall, Mr. Ban said \"human rights violations have continued, with an intensified crackdown on journalists, human rights defenders and women's rights activists.\"\n\nDr. Shaheed's report described how the Iranian government uses torture, solitary confinement, and arbitrary arrest and detention in a continuing crackdown on journalists, human rights defenders, and others.\n\nHe also expressed concern over laws and practices that repress women, noting that women face gender disparity in employment, education, and freedom of movement. He said women's rights activists \"continue to be harassed for making statements that criticize policies or Government actions.\"\n\nAbout Baha'is, Dr. Shaheed conveyed \"alarm\" about the \"systematic persecution of members of the Baha'i community,\" which includes \"severe socioeconomic pressure and arrests and detention.\" He called on the Iranian government to \"consider the immediate release of prisoners of conscience such as (Christian) Pastors Behnam Irani, Farshid Fathi, as well as the leaders of the Baha'i community.\"\n\nThe seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders – Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm – have been wrongfully imprisoned since 2008.  In 2010, they were convicted on false charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison, which is currently the longest sentence of any prisoner of conscience in Iran.\n\nDiane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva, welcomed both reports, saying that they \"offer powerful documentation of the degree to which Iran continues to deny its citizens their fundamental human rights\".\n\nMs. Ala'i continued: \"The reports depict a country where not only Baha'is, but also journalists, women, human rights defenders and numerous ethnic and religious minorities face severe repression.\n\n\"Yet in the United Nations, and at the Human Rights Council, Iranian diplomats continue to deny that anything is wrong, claiming that Iran is a pillar of democracy and a strong proponent of human rights.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":937,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur stresses importance of global scrutiny of Iran on its human rights record."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":935,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly calls upon Iran to stop human rights violations, to release prisoners of conscience, and to open its doors to international human rights monitors."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":939,"relatedStoryCaption":"U.S. House of Representatives expresses its condemnation of Iran's \"state-sponsored persecution\" of Baha'is."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":940,"evergreenUrl":"work-advances-house-worship-chile","title":"Work advances on House of Worship in Chile","description":"A new video detailing progress of the construction of the Baha'i House of Worship for the South American continent has been released. The video...","date":"2013-02-10","customDateline":false,"city":"SANTIAGO","country":"CHILE","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582384-94001construction.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582384-94001construction.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The construction site for the Baha'i House of Worship in Santiago, Chile, showing the partially completed basement, service tunnel, and excavation work.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"A new video detailing progress of the construction of the Baha'i House of Worship for the South American continent has been released.\n\nThe video highlights the completion of the building's concrete foundation, the beginning of construction work on the basement and service tunnel, and the installation of ten isolators to counteract seismic activity. It can be viewed online through the [official website](http://templo.bahai.cl/en/medios/videos/).\n\nConstruction began with site excavation and the installation of utility lines in November 2010 and advanced to major concrete work in March 2012.\n\nWhen completed, the edifice in Santiago will be the eighth in a series of Baha'i Houses of Worship, and the final one to be erected to serve an entire continent."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582384-94002digging.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Young people participate in efforts to prepare the ground for a security fence around a temporary office building and storage area for the Baha'i House of Worship currently under construction."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"More Baha'i House of Worship stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":865,"relatedStoryCaption":"Delhi's Chief Minister praises temple's influence at its 25th anniversary celebrations."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":806,"relatedStoryCaption":"Chief Justice praises Baha'i temple's role in Ugandan society."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":851,"relatedStoryCaption":"On the fiftieth anniversary of Australia's Baha'i House of Worship, dignitaries have paid tribute to its contribution to the life of the community."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"houses_of_worship"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":939,"evergreenUrl":"us-house-representatives-resolution-condemns-irans-persecution-bahais","title":"U.S. House of Representatives resolution condemns Iran's persecution of Baha'is","description":"The United States Congress has called on Iran to release Baha'is imprisoned solely for their religious beliefs. In a resolution passed on 1 January,...","date":"2013-01-03","customDateline":false,"city":"WASHINGTON","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582367-93900.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582367-93900.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The U.S. Capitol, meeting place of the United States Congress. Photo: Architect of the Capitol.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The United States Congress has called on Iran to release Baha'is imprisoned solely for their religious beliefs.\n\nIn a resolution passed on 1 January, the House of Representatives expressed its condemnation of Iran's \"state-sponsored persecution\" of Baha'is.\n\n\"Ordinary Iranian citizens who belong to the Baha'i Faith are disproportionately targeted, interrogated, and detained under the pretext of national security,\" said the resolution, which was the 12th such measure approved by the US Congress since 1982.\n\nSponsored by Representatives Robert J. Dold, Daniel Lipinski, and Brad Sherman, the bill took note of Iran's wrongful imprisonment of seven former Baha'i leaders, each currently serving 20-year prison terms. It also condemned the unjust arrest and incarceration of Baha'i educators and administrators of an informal community effort to provide for Baha'i youth who are otherwise excluded from higher education.\n\n\"The (Iranian) regime has sought to make life as a Baha'i in Iran simply unlivable,\" said Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in a statement before the vote. \"This resolution draws attention to their plight, and calls on the Iranian regime to end its campaign of abuse against the Baha'i.\"\n\nMore specifically, the resolution urged President Obama and his Secretary of State to utilize measures approved in 2010 to \"sanction officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for egregious human rights violations in Iran, including against the Baha'i community.\"\n\n\"The Baha'i community is encouraged by the emphasis the U.S. Congress has placed on the human rights abuses in Iran,\" said an official of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States.  \"We are convinced that this continued international pressure has kept the situation for the Baha'is in Iran from getting much worse.\"\n\nAt the present time, there are approximately 116 Baha'is imprisoned in Iran for their religious beliefs. More than 670 Baha'is have been arrested since mid-2004, and thousands more have been deprived of jobs, education and the right to religious freedom."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":938,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 500 support awareness-raising marathon run in Bangalore."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":937,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur stresses importance of global scrutiny of Iran on its human rights record."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":935,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly calls upon Iran to stop violations."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":938,"evergreenUrl":"marathon-run-highlights-irans-human-rights-abuses","title":"Marathon run highlights Iran's human rights abuses","description":"More than 500 people, ranging in age from primary school children to senior citizens, took to the streets here to support a marathon run which...","date":"2013-01-01","customDateline":null,"city":"BANGALORE","country":"INDIA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582355-93800.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582355-93800.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Runners taking part in a marathon, organised by the Classic Road Runners Athletic Club of Bangalore, which aimed to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Iran, 9 December 2012.","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"More than 500 people, ranging in age from primary school children to senior citizens, took to the streets here to support a marathon run which aimed to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Iran.\n\nThe early morning run, which followed a circuit around the city's Ulsoor lake, was organised by the Classic Road Runners Athletic Club of Bangalore. It was the debut public event for the club which decided to take the opportunity to highlight the issue of human rights after conversations with local Baha'is.\n\nSpectators cheered on the runners while waving banners calling for the release of prisoners of conscience in Iran.\n\n\"Though the severe persecution of the Baha'is in Iran was the idea that gave the impetus to this run,\" said Dr. A.J. Ansari, the club's Vice-President, \"this persecution is a symptom of a global problem where certain sections of our worldwide family suffer discrimination as well as active violation of basic rights  for reasons that would be disconcerting to any fair minded observer.\"\n\nThe event was held on Sunday 9 December to mark United Nations Human Rights Day the following day."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582354-93801.jpg"},"imageDescription":"At a marathon, organised by the Classic Road Runners Athletic Club of Bangalore, spectators carried banners calling for the release of prisoners of conscience in Iran."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":937,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special Rapporteur stresses importance of global scrutiny of Iran on its human rights record."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":935,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly calls upon Iran to stop violations."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":934,"relatedStoryCaption":"Australian-Iranian artists highlight the issue of religious persecution in Iran."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":937,"evergreenUrl":"un-iran-expert-raises-access-education-seminar-uk-parliament","title":"UN Iran expert raises \"access to education\" at seminar in UK parliament","description":"The Iranian government's policy of excluding those it deems \"ideologically unsound\" from higher education is eroding progress made in women's...","date":"2012-12-26","customDateline":false,"city":"LONDON","country":"ENGLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582340-93700.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582340-93700.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A seminar held on 18 December at the UK parliament, exploring the issue of access to education in Iran, was addressed by Ahmed Shaheed – the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The Iranian government's policy of excluding those it deems \"ideologically unsound\" from higher education is eroding progress made in women's access to secondary education, creating significant obstacles for minorities, and undermining academic freedom.\n\nThose were among the concerns expressed at a seminar, held at the UK parliament, by Ahmed Shaheed – the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.\n\nStressing the importance of global scrutiny of Iran on its human rights record, Dr. Shaheed noted that the \"international community has an indispensable role to play in continuing to support the voices of Iranian citizens that continue to demand that the right to education become a reality for all.\"\n\nThe seminar, held on 18 December, was organised by the UK parliament's All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha'is group and chaired by Nic Dakin, member of parliament for Scunthorpe.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Among other contributors to the discussion was Scott Sheeran, Director of the Human Rights in Iran unit at the University of Essex Human Rights Center. He explored the complex connections that link the right to education to other rights, such as the rights of minorities, non-discrimination and equality before the law, and freedoms of expression, religion and belief.\n\nDaniel Wheatley of the UK Baha'i community shared details of the lengths to which Iran's government has gone to exclude Baha'is from access to higher education, while Tahirih Danesh – an independent researcher on women's rights – paid tribute to imprisoned human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582341-93701.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A panel of human rights experts addressed a seminar held on 18 December at the UK parliament, exploring the issue of access to education in Iran."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":935,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly calls upon Iran to stop violations."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":934,"relatedStoryCaption":"Australian-Iranian artists highlight the issue of religious persecution in Iran."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":930,"relatedStoryCaption":"Host of well-known personalities join campaign to show support for victims in Iran."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":936,"evergreenUrl":"in-new-delhi-seminar-explores-ending-violence-against-children","title":"In New Delhi, seminar explores ending violence against children","description":"Ending the maltreatment and abuse of young people is a global challenge that must be urgently addressed. This was among the central themes of...","date":"2012-12-21","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW DELHI","country":"INDIA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582325-93600.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582325-93600.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Participants in the seminar \"Ending Violence against Children,\" held in New Delhi on 22 November, take part in an interactive session. Pictured: (from left) Farida Vahedi, Baha'i Office of Public Affairs; Dora Giusti, UNICEF; Javed Naqvi, journalist; Shanta Sinha, National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights; and Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Indian Baha'i Office of Public Affairs.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Ending the maltreatment and abuse of young people is a global challenge that must be urgently addressed.  This was among the central themes of a recent seminar on \"Ending Violence against Children,\" held in the environs of the Baha'i House of Worship here.\n\n\"The protection of children from violence is a priority for action,\" Dora Giusti – a child protection specialist with UNICEF in India – told the seminar. \"The need is for a multi-faceted approach to build a protective environment for children.\"\n\nThe seminar on 22 November was organized to observe National Communal Harmony Week, the 2012 commemoration of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, and to mark 20 years since India acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event was sponsored by the Baha'i community of India in association with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, the North India Chapter of the Global Network of Religions for Children, and the India Alliance for Child Rights.\n\nParticipants included representatives of government, non-governmental organizations, academicians, students, and journalists, along with families from the regions of Gujarat and Assam.\n\nAmong the topics addressed were corporal punishment, policies and processes for the protection of children, and the underlying causes of violence in today's society.\n\nShanta Sinha, Chair of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, emphasized the need to build a culture of non-violence if the issue is to be addressed long term. Vinay Srivastava, a professor of anthropology at Delhi University, agreed, adding that while individual parents, educators and care givers need to look at their own attitudes and behaviors towards children, there should also be studies made to address the culture of violence in society and what structures may need changing.\n\n\"An essential concept for progress in this area is that of trusteeship, said Farida Vahedi, director of the Indian Baha'i Office of Public Affairs, recognizing that \"every child is born into this world as a trust of the whole of humanity.\"\n\n\"It is only when children's right to spiritual education, nutrition, health, shelter, security and safety are ensured that they can take up their responsibility to work for humanity's progress and development,\" said Ms. Vahedi."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Baha'i World News Service articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":908,"relatedStoryCaption":"Discussion hears that young people should be taught the concepts of fundamental human rights, tolerance, peace and diversity."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":894,"relatedStoryCaption":"Educators, academics and theologians highlight education for human flourishing."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":752,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 1,500 young people gather in five countries to examine their lives."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":935,"evergreenUrl":"un-decries-irans-serious-ongoing-recurring-human-rights-violations","title":"UN decries Iran's \"serious ongoing and recurring\" human rights violations","description":"The UN General Assembly today expressed \"deep concern\" over Iran's \"serious ongoing and recurring\" human rights violations, decrying abuses that...","date":"2012-12-20","customDateline":false,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582306-gainterior27811.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543582306-gainterior27811.jpg"},"imageDescription":"An interior view of the United Nations General Assembly hall, New York City. UN Photo/Sophia Paris","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The UN General Assembly today expressed \"deep concern\" over Iran's \"serious ongoing and recurring\" human rights violations, decrying abuses that include torture, an increase in executions, widespread restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrimination against minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith.\n\nBy a vote of 86 to 32 with 65 abstentions, the General Assembly called upon Iran to stop such violations, to release prisoners of conscience, and to open its doors to international human rights monitors.\n\n\"This vote signals loud and clear the international community's refusal to accept Iran's ongoing and intensifying repression of its own people – or the government's claims that such violations do not take place,\" said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.\n\n\"The list of abuses outlined in this resolution is long and cruel. Overall, the picture it paints is of a government that is so afraid of its own people that it cannot tolerate anyone who holds a viewpoint that is different from its own repressive ideology.\"\n\n\"For the Baha'is, there has been persistent and worsening persecution at the hands of the government and its agents,\" she observed.\n\nThe text of the resolution – which was put forward by Canada and co-sponsored by 43 other countries – calls on Iran to better cooperate with UN human rights monitors, particularly by allowing them to make visits to Iran, and asks the UN Secretary General to report back next year on Iran's progress at fulfilling its human rights obligations.\n\nThe resolution was the 25th such on human rights violations in Iran by the General Assembly since 1985."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The Baha'is of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"The Trial of the Seven Baha'i Leaders\" - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Closed Doors: Iran's Campaign to Deny Higher Education to Baha'is\" - Special Section](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[BWNS Iran Update](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update.html)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[\"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" - Special Report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":934,"relatedStoryCaption":"Australian-Iranian artists highlight the issue of religious persecution in Iran."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":931,"relatedStoryCaption":"General Assembly's Third Committee calls upon Iran to open its doors to human rights monitors."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":930,"relatedStoryCaption":"Host of well-known personalities join campaign to show support for victims in Iran."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null}],"lang":"en","language":"en","location":"/archive/42/"}},"staticQueryHashes":["2762707590"]}