{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-archive-page-jsx","path":"/archive/46/","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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Pictured are, top row from left to right: D. Craig Brater, Betty M. Drees, Philip Pizzo, Valerie Montgomery Rice; Bottom row, from left to right: Pamela B. Davis, James Woolliscroft, Mark S. Johnson, and Marsha D. Rappley.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Almost 50 leaders of medical education in the United States have joined the worldwide protest against the Iranian government’s persecution of Baha’i students and educators.\n\nForty-eight Deans and Senior Vice-Presidents – who between them head more than a third of American medical schools – have signed an open letter addressed to Iran’s representative to the United Nations. The letter was published on the Persian-language “[Association Against Education Discrimination](http://www.edu-right.net/statement/38-statement/746-medicalschooldeansbiheletter)” website on 7 December – the day that Iranian student movements annually commemorate Student Day.\n\n“We are writing as individuals who are leaders of globally recognized educational institutions to voice our concern about the treatment of Baha’i students and educators in Iran,” the letter says.\n\n“As leaders of medical education, we believe that education is an inherent human right. At our respective institutions, we have hosted and continue to host students, residents, fellows, and faculty irrespective of their religious beliefs from all over the world. We have welcomed this diverse population into our educational communities to contribute to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of humanity.”\n\nThe letter’s chief signatory – Dr. Philip Pizzo, Dean of Stanford University’s School of Medicine – helped collect the signatures last month at the annual meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Council of Medical School Deans.\n\nThe statement details the systematic attack launched by Iranian authorities against an informal community initiative – known as the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) – which was set up to provide education for young Baha’is barred from university. Seven Baha’is associated with BIHE are now serving four- and five-year jail terms.\n\n“The arresting of BIHE faculty and administrators as well as the banning of generations of Baha’is from education solely on the basis of their religious background are violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights to which Iran is a State Party,” the letter continues.\n\n“We therefore urge your government to release the instructors and administrators of BIHE from prison. We also request that your government extend Baha’i students and faculty in Iran the same rights to education that we offer every student and professor at our institutions regardless of their heritage, religion or country of origin.”\n\nThe open letter was published on the same day that the situation of Baha’i educators and students was raised in a [joint statement](http://kirk.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=380) by an international group of lawmakers – US Senators Mark Kirk and Joseph Lieberman, Canadian MP Irwin Cotler, British MP Denis MacShane, Australian MP Michael Danby, Italian MP Fiamma Nirenstein, and Lithuanian MP Emanuelis Zingeris.\n\n*Continuing outcry*\n\nThese latest actions come just days after [Senator Mobina Jaffer](/story/873), Canada’s first Muslim senator, told a Canadian Senate enquiry that it was \"unprecedented\" that Iran has now criminalized the education of young people.\n\nThe condemnation of the imprisonment of the seven Baha’i educators has spanned the world. UN Secretary General [Ban Ki-Moon](/story/858) has led the criticism of their sentences, along with such prominent figures as Nobel Peace Prize laureates [Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Jose Ramos-Horta](/story/852), and [Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire](/story/872), the former UN peacekeeping force commander who tried to stop the 1990s genocide in Rwanda.\n\nIn October, some [43 distinguished philosophers and theologians](/story/857) in 16 countries signed an open letter protesting against the attack on BIHE.\n\nIn Germany, some [45 prominent professors](http://www.bahai.de/artikel/article/professoren-aus-deutschland-richten-protestschreiben-an-iranische-regierung.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=14&cHash=b89891f64c) have demanded the immediate release of the seven, while in Australia, letters of protest have been sent by [73 university academics](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/call-for-iran-to-release-bahai-academics/story-e6frgcjx-1226170010998), and [Universities Australia](http://www.bahai.org.au/NewsMedia/NewsStories/ArticleView/tabid/72/ArticleId/174/Australians-condemn-treatment-of-educators-in-Iran.aspx), representing the vice-chancellors of all Australian universities.\n\nLast month, more than [50 academics](http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/letters/2011/1104/1224307039487.html) in Ireland called upon the Iranian authorities to allow access to higher education for all, while [ 26 professionals from the cinema industry](http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ilustrada/1001917-cineastas-pedem-que-governo-brasileiro-defenda-colegas-iranianos.shtml) urged the government of Brazil to defend the rights of filmmakers, journalists and Baha'i educators and called upon Iran to immediately release those imprisoned.\n\n**Signatories**\n\n**Philip Pizzo** MD – Dean, Stanford University School of Medicine\n\n**Stephen K. Klasko** MD MBA – CEO USF Health; Dean University of South Florida College of Medicine\n\n**D. Craig Brater** MD – Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine\n\n**Lois Margaret Nora** MD MBA – Interim President/Dean, Commonwealth Medical College\n\n**Jerry R. Youkey** MD – Founding Dean, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville\n\n**Robert Folberg** MD – Founding Dean, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine\n\n**James Woolliscroft** MD – Dean, University of Michigan Medical School\n\n**Paul Katz** MD – Founding Dean, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University\n\n**J. Kevin Dorsey** MD PhD – Dean & Provost, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine\n\n**Harold L. Paz** MD MS – Senior VP for Health Affairs, Dean Penn State College of Medicine\n\n**Terence R. Flotte** MD – Dean, Provost & Exec. Dep. Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Medical School\n\n**Marsha D. Rappley** MD – Dean, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine\n\n**M. Dewayne Andrews** MD – Sr. VP & Provost & Executive Dean, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine\n\n**Paul B. Roth** MD – Chancellor & Dean, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center\n\n**Larry W. Laughlin** MD, PhD – Dean, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine\n\n**Thomas L. Schwenk** MD – Dean, VP Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno\n\n**Steven Berk** MD – Dean, Executive VP, Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center\n\n**Mark B. Taubman** MD – Dean, VP Health Sciences, University of Rochester\n\n**Peter S. Amenta** MD PhD – Dean, UMDNJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School\n\n**Lawrence G. Smith** MD – Dean, Hofstra University, School of Medicine, North Shore LIJ\n\n**Robert L. Johnson** MD – Dean, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School\n\n**Steven J. Scheinman** MD – Dean Emeritus, Upstate Medical University\n\n**S. Ray Mitchell** MD – Dean, Georgetown University, School of Medicine\n\n**Frederick Morin** MD – Dean, University of Vermont, College of Medicine\n\n**Michael E. Cain** MD – Dean, VP for Health Sciences, University at Buffalo\n\n**John P. Fogarty** MD – Dean, Florida State University, College of Medicine\n\n**Ralph A. O’Connell** MD – Dean & Provost, New York Medical College\n\n**John A. Rock** MD – Dean & Senior VP for Medical Affairs, Florida International University\n\n**William L. Roper** MD – Dean & CEO, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine\n\n**Charles J. Lockwood** MD – Dean & VP, Ohio State University, Medical Center\n\n**Paul R. Cunningham** MD – Dean, East Carolina University, The Brody School of Medicine\n\n**B. P. Sachs** MD – SVP & Dean, Tulane University, School of Medicine\n\n**Charles P. Mouton** MD – Dean & Senior VP, Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine\n\n**Jeff Susman** MD – Dean, Northeastern Ohio\n\n**Betty M. Drees** MD – Dean, University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Medicine\n\n**Pamela B. Davis** MD PhD – Dean & VP for Medical Affairs, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine\n\n**Paul Rothman** MD – Dean, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine\n\n**Wiley Souba** MD – VP for Health Affairs & Dean, Dartmouth Medical School\n\n**Roger Hadley** MD – Dean, Loma Linda University\n\n**Thomas A. Deutsch** MD – Dean, Rush University, Chicago, Medical College\n\n**Debra H. Fiser** MD – Dean, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences\n\n**Larry Shapiro** MD – Dean, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis\n\n**Daniel V. Schidlow** MD – Interim Dean, Drexel University College of Medicine\n\n**Valerie Montgomery Rice** MD – Executive VP & Dean, Morehouse School of Medicine\n\n**Peter F. Buckley** MD – Dean, Georgia Health Sciences University, Medical College of Georgia\n\n**Mark S. Johnson** MD – Dean, Howard University\n\n**Andrew L. Chesson** MD – Dean, LSU Health Shreveport\n\n**Karen Antman** MD – Dean, Provost Boston University School of Medicine\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":873,"relatedStoryCaption":"Canada's first Muslim senator strongly criticizes Iran for its prosecution and imprisonment of Baha'i educators."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":872,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former UN peacekeeper Romeo Dallaire says Iran's actions against Baha'is remind him of what he witnessed in Rwanda."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":867,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly uses some of its strongest language to date."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":873,"evergreenUrl":"concerns-imprisoned-bahai-educators-voiced-senate","title":"Concerns for imprisoned Baha'i educators voiced in Senate","description":"At the Canadian Senate enquiry into the persecution of Iranian Baha'is, Canada's first Muslim senator has strongly criticized Iran for its prosecution...","date":"2011-12-05","customDateline":false,"city":"OTTAWA","country":"CANADA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580973-jaffer.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580973-jaffer.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Senator Mobina Jaffer. \"We must continue to stand up and directly face the threat presented by Iran to its own people,\" Senator Jaffer told the Canadian Senate on 1 December.","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"At the Canadian Senate enquiry into the persecution of Iranian Baha'is, Canada's first Muslim senator has strongly criticized Iran for its prosecution and imprisonment of Baha'i educators.\n\nSenator Mobina Jaffer said that it was \"unprecedented\" that Iran has now criminalized the education of young people.\n\n\"What cruelty is this, that a government would imprison its citizens for educating others and make the process of learning a crime?\" she asked the Senate.\n\n[Read Senator Jaffer's speech in full](http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/Sen/Chamber/411/Debates/036db_2011-12-01-e.htm#5)\n\nSenator Jaffer herself initiated the enquiry in June this year, one month after Iranian authorities raided some 39 homes of Baha'is associated with an informal community initiative –  known as the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education –  established to teach young Baha'is barred from university.\n\nAddressing the enquiry, Senator Jaffer said that her concern was now for seven Baha'i educators who have received four- and five-year jail terms.\n\n\"Among those sentenced to four years in prison was Nooshin Khadem, a permanent resident of Canada and an MBA graduate of Carleton University,\" she said.\n\n\"Nooshin came to Canada because Carleton University recognized her Baha'i Institute studies as the equivalent of an undergraduate education. She then transported her education back to Iran to teach others.\"\n\n\"Now she is in jail for committing the 'crime' of transporting her education.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Among other Baha'is who have recently been arrested and imprisoned, two also received degrees in Canada – qualifications which Iran now calls \"illegal,\" Senator Jaffer noted.\n\nMarried couple Kamran Rahimian and Faran Hessami completed graduate studies in psychology counseling at the University of Ottawa.\n\nThe Baha'i International Community has recently learned that Ms. Hessami was released on bail on 28 November. Both she and her husband are still awaiting trial. Their two-year-old son has had to live with relatives while both of his parents were in prison.\n\n\"As a nation that upholds human rights and values religious pluralism, we must continue to stand up and directly face the threat presented by Iran to its own people,\" Senator Jaffer said last Thursday.\n\n\"Iran may not listen today, but the Iranian people are listening. They must know that Canada stands with them and will continue to speak up for their fundamental rights and freedoms.\"\n\nAlso last week, [Senator Romeo Dallaire](/story/872) – the former UN peacekeeping force commander who tried to stop the 1990s genocide in Rwanda – told the Senate enquiry that Iran's current actions against Baha'is remind him of what he witnessed in Africa.\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580974-bihe7.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The seven Baha'i educators sentenced to prison are (top row, left to right): Mahmoud Badavam, Ramin Zibaie, Riaz Sobhani, Farhad Sedghi; (bottom row, left to right) Noushin Khadem, Kamran Mortezaie, and Vahid Mahmoudi. Ms. Khadem is an MBA graduate of Carleton University, Ottawa."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":872,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former UN peacekeeper Romeo Dallaire says Iran's actions against Baha'is remind him of what he witnessed in Rwanda."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":867,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly uses some of its strongest language to date."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":863,"relatedStoryCaption":"Iranian government is systematically stirring up hatred and discrimination against its Baha'i minority."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":872,"evergreenUrl":"senator-highlights-warning-signs-irans-treatment-bahais","title":"Senator highlights \"warning signs\" in Iran's treatment of Baha'is","description":"Canadian Senator Romeo Dallaire, the former UN peacekeeping force commander who tried to stop the 1990s genocide in Rwanda, has said that Iran's...","date":"2011-12-02","customDateline":false,"city":"OTTAWA","country":"CANADA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580959-bwns7797-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580959-bwns7797-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Canadian Senator Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire, who has called upon his government to address urgently Iran's \"intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Baha'i community as a separate religious entity.\"","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Canadian Senator Romeo Dallaire, the former UN peacekeeping force commander who tried to stop the 1990s genocide in Rwanda, has said that Iran's current actions against Baha'is remind him of what he witnessed in Africa.\n\n\"The similarities with what I saw in Rwanda are absolutely unquestionable, equal...and in fact applied with seemingly the same verve,\" said Senator Dallaire.\n\n\"We are witnessing a slow-motion rehearsal for genocide,\" he warned.\n\nSenator Dallaire's remarks came as part of a Senate inquiry into the persecution of Iranian Baha'is. The imprisonment of Baha'is for no reason other than their belief, he told the Senate, is comparable with the Rwandan situation.\n\n[Read Senator Dallaire's speech here.](http://bahainews.ca/images/Dallaire-statement.pdf)\n\n\"(T)he prisons of Rwanda were filled with Tutsi people for almost the same reasons, except their crime was based on their ethnicity, rather than their religion,\" he said.\n\nAnother parallel can be found in the persecution of Baha'i educators who try to teach young community members in the face of government efforts to ban them from university.\n\n\"Any Iranian who identifies as Baha'i is barred from higher education, from holding a position in the government, or from partaking in the political process,\" he said.\n\n\"These attacks against the Baha'i leaders and teachers are troubling enough as human rights violations. However, they are even more disturbing because they took place in the context of the Iranian state's severe repression of the entire Baha'i community. A similar scenario played out in Rwanda where the Tutsi ethnic minority was not allowed access to higher education in their country. They had to leave the country in order to access higher education.\"\n\nIn 1994, Senator Dallaire commanded the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda that was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the mass slaying of an estimated 800,000 Rwandans. He has since become honored and respected around the world for his humanitarian work and his courageous defense of people under threat. He has also been a member of the UN Secretary General's Advisory Committee on Genocide Prevention.\n\nWhen the facts and trends of the persecution of Iranian Baha'is are put together, he said, it amounts at a minimum to something he called \"ideological genocide.\"\n\n\"An essential element of ideological genocide is the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Baha'i community as a separate religious entity. It is this intent...that requires our urgent and deliberate attention.\"\n\nBeyond that, he said, there remains the possibility of mass atrocities if Iran's repression of Baha'is is not checked.\n\n\"The alarming increase in incarceration among the Baha'is and, most particularly, among their leadership, the disproportionate sentences and unreasonable bail and the vile propaganda that paints Baha'is as cultish and part of a Zionist conspiracy to undermine the Islamic state of Iran is all...false. It is all an instrument to excuse the deliberate actions by that government to destroy that religion within their boundaries.\"\n\n\"Make no mistake, these are not only indices of past and present persecution; they are warning signs of mass atrocities, of genocide. Let us not witness another one, fully conscious of what the consequences are,\" he said.\n\nThe Canadian Senate inquiry into the issue of Iran's persecution of Baha'is was initiated by Senator Mobina Jaffer. In [remarks made on 21 June](http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/Sen/Chamber/411/Debates/009db_2011-06-21-e.htm?Language=E#51), Senator Jaffer called for \"new steps\" by Canada to \"call Iran to account for its unacceptable treatment of the Baha'is.\"\n\nIn October, Senator Hugh Segal also [addressed the inquiry](http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/Sen/Chamber/411/Debates/017db_2011-10-05-e.htm#28) describing the suffering heaped on Baha'is as \"systematic and brutal,\" especially when they are known as a \"peaceful faith that embraces the sanctity of all religions.\"\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book](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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":867,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly uses some of its strongest language to date."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":863,"relatedStoryCaption":"Iranian government is systematically stirring up hatred and discrimination against its Baha'i minority."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":852,"relatedStoryCaption":"Two Nobel Peace Prize winners criticize the Iranian government, comparing its actions to \"the Dark Ages of Europe\" or the \"Spanish Inquisition.\""}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":871,"evergreenUrl":"ian-c-semple-1928-2011","title":"Ian C. Semple, 1928-2011","description":"Mr. Ian C. Semple, former member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away today in Switzerland. He was 82 years old. The Universal House...","date":"2011-12-01","customDateline":null,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580948-87100.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580948-87100.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Mr. Ian C. Semple","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Mr. Ian C. Semple, former member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away today in Switzerland. He was 82 years old.\n\nThe Universal House of Justice has sent the following message to all National Spiritual Assemblies:"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ManualContentRecord","inlineHtml":"<center>*&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;*</center>"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Our hearts are laden with sorrow at the passing to the Abha Kingdom of our dearly loved former colleague Ian C. Semple, staunch, clear-sighted, outstanding servant of the Blessed Beauty. Having embraced the Cause of God in the prime of his youth while at university, he devoted his considerable energies, eloquent pen and keen intellect to its protection and to the promotion of its vital interests throughout the rest of his life. A distinguished record of six decades of uninterrupted labour in the Divine Vineyard included service as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, of the Auxiliary Board for Propagation in Europe and of the International Baha’i Council, and culminated in forty-two years of membership of the Universal House of Justice from its establishment in 1963 until 2005. The shining qualities of his being, his immense courtesy, surpassing humility, purity of heart, irrepressible joy and unfailing optimism – all born of an unshakeable faith in the Word of God and its capacity to redeem humankind – endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.\n\nWe extend our loving sympathy to his beloved wife, Louise, to his dear children, Michael, Nicholas and Jennifer, and to his grandchildren for the loss they have sustained and pray for the bounties of God to surround them. May Ian’s valiant soul receive a joyous welcome in the celestial realms above and be richly rewarded for his fealty and his exemplary dedication to duty. We call upon the friends everywhere to hold memorial gatherings in his honour, including befitting commemorative services in the Houses of Worship throughout the world.\n\nThe Universal House of Justice"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related stories from the Baha'i World News Service"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":359,"relatedStoryCaption":"Two members of the Universal House of Justice - Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin - leave the Universal House of Justice."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":841,"relatedStoryCaption":"With the passing of Dr. Peter J. Khan, the worldwide Baha'i community lost a \"distinguished servant.\""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":388,"relatedStoryCaption":"Former member of the Universal House of Justice passed away, aged 91, following a stroke."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":870,"evergreenUrl":"president-pacific-island-nation-visits-bahai-world-centre","title":"President of Pacific island nation visits Baha'i World Centre","description":"The head of state of the Republic of Palau has paid an official visit to the Baha'i World Centre. President Johnson Toribiong with his wife,...","date":"2011-12-01","customDateline":false,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580922-87000.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580922-87000.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The president of the Republic of Palau made an official visit to the Baha'i World Centre on Friday 25 November. Pictured from left to right: Mrs. Zenaida Ramirez, member of the International Teaching Centre; President Johnson Toribiong of Palau; Mr. Stephen Hall, member of the Universal House of Justice; Mrs. Valeria Toribiong, first lady of Palau; Mrs. Dicy Hall.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The head of state of the Republic of Palau has paid an official visit to the Baha'i World Centre.\n\nPresident Johnson Toribiong with his wife, Mrs. Valeria Toribiong, were welcomed by a member of the Universal House of Justice, Mr. Stephen Hall, and his wife, Mrs. Dicy Hall, on 25 November. Also in the receiving party was a member of the International Teaching Centre, Mrs. Zenaida Ramirez.\n\nPalau is one of the world's youngest sovereign states, located in the Pacific Ocean, 800 kilometers east of the Philippines. President Toribiong himself requested the visit to the Baha'i World Centre while on a state visit to Israel.\n\nAt a reception held in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Mr. Hall presented the president with the book, *Baha'i Shrine and Gardens in Haifa and Acre*. A laser-etched crystal memento of the Shrine of the Bab was also presented to Mrs. Toribiong."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"The president – who is an attorney by profession – expressed his appreciation of the Baha'i teachings on justice,\" said Kern Wisman, representative of the Baha'i International Community, who was a member of the welcoming party.\n\nAfter speeches, the delegation – which also included Palau's Justice Minister, Mr. John Gibbons, and guests from the municipality of Haifa –  visited the Shrine of the Bab and its surrounding terraced gardens, which particularly interested Mrs. Toribiong who, in her role as first lady, has done much to promote the beautification of her country.\n\n\"It is an impressive experience when a head of state is able to see something of the essence, character, scope and scale of the Baha'i Faith – and respond with such respect to the beauty and dignity of this holy place,\" said Mr. Wisman."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580914-87001.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The president of the Republic of Palau, Mr. Johnson Toribiong, and his wife, Mrs. Valeria Toribiong – pictured center – are shown visiting the terraces of the Shrine of the Bab, Haifa, Israel, on Friday 25 November. Guests also included representatives of the municipality of Haifa."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580914-87002.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The president of the Republic of Palau, Johnson Toribiong – pictured in front of the window – was received in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Haifa, Israel, on Friday 25 November. Mr. Stephen Hall, member of the Universal House of Justice, is seated right."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Baha'i World News Service stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":410,"relatedStoryCaption":"The president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands paid an official visit to the Baha'i World Centre on 1 December 2005."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":543,"relatedStoryCaption":"His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II was a follower of the Baha'i Faith."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":869,"relatedStoryCaption":"Composer Russell Garcia dedicated his talents to promoting the Baha'i teachings, particularly in the Pacific."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":869,"evergreenUrl":"composer-dedicated-life-building-better-world","title":"Composer dedicated life to building a better world","description":"Russell Garcia, who has died at the age of 95, was an influential composer, arranger, and conductor, who dedicated his talents to promoting the...","date":"2011-11-28","customDateline":false,"city":"KERIKERI","country":"NEW ZEALAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580887-86900.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580887-86900.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Russell Garcia (1916-2011), composer, conductor, arranger and dedicated promoter of the Baha'i Faith.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Russell Garcia, who has died at the age of 95, was an influential composer, arranger, and conductor, who dedicated his talents to promoting the teachings of the Baha'i Faith around the world.\n\nIn a career spanning eight decades, Mr. Garcia recorded more than 60 albums under his own name, and worked with stars such as Louis Armstrong, Charles Chaplin, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland.\n\nBorn in Oakland, California, on 12 April 1916, Mr. Garcia began writing and arranging music while still a boy. He composed for radio programs, for television shows including *Rawhide*, and films such as *The Time Machine* (1960).\n\nA teaching post at the Westlake School of Music in Los Angeles also resulted in Mr. Garcia writing *The Professional Arranger Composer*. The book and its sequel \"continue to be basic handbooks for anyone who wants to understand the process of arranging and composing,\" the music critic Don Heckman told the *Los Angeles Times*.\n\nDuring the Second World War, Mr. Garcia fought in the \"Battle of the Bulge\" in Belgium.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"This is absolute insanity, people shooting at strangers,\" the composer said, vowing that – if he came out of it alive – he would dedicate himself to world peace.\n\nMr. Garcia and his wife, Gina, joined the Baha'i Faith in 1955 and, from then on, devoted their lives to promoting its principles. In 1966, when he was at the peak of his musical career, they sold their home and possessions, bought a boat, and set sail, carrying the Baha'i teachings to the islands of the Pacific Ocean.\n\n\"Not many people have the chance to follow their hearts with no financial worries,\" Mr. Garcia later said.\n\nThe couple spent six years on their trimaran, *The Dawn-Breaker*, anchoring in – among other places – Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Tahiti. During their travels, they fell in love with New Zealand and settled there permanently.\n\nMr. Garcia continued to compose, arrange and conduct until the end of his long life. In 2005, the Los Angeles Jazz Institute honored him for his contribution to jazz. In 2009, he and his wife were awarded the Queen's Service Medal by Queen Elizabeth II. Together, they regularly volunteered their services to teach primary school children in New Zealand about spiritual qualities – using songs, stories and creative exercises.\n\nOn learning of his passing on 20 November, the Universal House of Justice recalled how Mr. Garcia also \"devoted himself to the creation of a range of musical compositions as a means of spreading the light of Baha'u'llah.\"\n\nHis \"prodigious efforts\" in the application of artistic endeavor to promote the oneness of humanity were noted by the Universal House of Justice.\n\nIn an interview, Mr. Garcia once said. \"We see mankind as one. So any goal that is not to help everybody is not a good goal.\"\n\n\"We've dedicated our lives to trying to build a better world,\" he said."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580888-86901.jpg"},"imageDescription":"In 2008, at the age of 92, Russell Garcia embarked on a concert tour of Austria, which was reported by the Baha'i World News Service."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Music articles from the Baha'i World News Service"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":652,"relatedStoryCaption":"Russell Garcia at 92 continued to tour internationally with his original compositions inspired by the Baha'i writings. In Austria, he conducted a local orchestra and choir in a work that he and his wife created."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":718,"relatedStoryCaption":"Singer introduces album tracks with spoken extracts from The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":781,"relatedStoryCaption":"Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen searches for a musical language that brings the world's diverse cultures together."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":868,"evergreenUrl":"network-aims-make-pilgrimage-greener-experience","title":"Network aims to make pilgrimage a greener experience","description":"An estimated 100 million people make some kind of pilgrimage every year, some for a few hours, others for days or months. To address the environmental...","date":"2011-11-24","customDateline":false,"city":"ASSISI","country":"ITALY","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580861-86800a.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580861-86800a.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Founder members and friends of the Green Pilgrimage Network, launched at Assisi, Italy, in a celebration organised by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) in association with WWF, on 1 November 2011. Photograph: ARC/Katia Marsh.","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"An estimated 100 million people make some kind of pilgrimage every year, some for a few hours, others for days or months.\n\nTo address the environmental impact of these journeys – and to assist the world's holy places to become as environmentally sustainable as possible – a new network has been launched which brings together pilgrim sites from 10 faith traditions.\n\nThey range from the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, and the Armenian Orthodox holy city of Etchmiadzin, to Jerusalem – a major pilgrimage destination for the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.\n\nThe Baha'i World Centre – and the city of Haifa, Israel, where it is located – have also become founding members of the Green Pilgrimage Network. Last year alone, the Baha'i holy places attracted around 750,000 pilgrims and visitors.\n\n\"The Green Pilgrimage Network will ask the faithful to live, during the most intense of religious experiences, in a faith-consistent way,\" said Martin Palmer, Secretary-General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), which has established the Network in association with WWF.\n\n\"To travel to a holy place in such a way as to treat the whole world as sacred is to be a true pilgrim,\" said Mr. Palmer.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The Network was launched in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent at the Sacred Land celebration, held in Assisi from 31 October to 2 November. The event also marked 25 years of religious action on the environment since the first Assisi gathering in 1986 when faith leaders were invited to consider how their beliefs, practices and teachings could help protect the environment.\n\nThis year, some 90 delegates from around the world – representing all the major faiths – took part in a two-day conference which examined the way forward for religion and environmentalism, and the Green Pilgrimage Network.\n\nThe Baha'i International Community was represented at the event by Jalal Hatami, its Deputy Secretary-General.\n\n\"The Baha'i World Centre is discussing with the authorities in Haifa how to make the city more ecological,\" said Mr. Hatami. \"This includes promoting the use of public transport among all citizens and greener practices in the hospitality sector, improving the management of energy and water, and encouraging more recycling and waste reduction.\"\n\nMr. Hatami described hearing about the various initiatives already under way in various holy cities as \"very inspiring.\"\n\n\"It demonstrated that the faith communities have much to say about the environment and can really make an impact if they work towards common goals,\" he said."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580860-86801.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Jalal Hatami, Deputy Secretary-General of the Baha'i International Community – pictured right – speaks with Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent at the launch of the Green Pilgrimage Network. Behind them, from left to right, are Sara Morrison, Vice President Emeritus of WWF International; Alliance of Religions and Conservation Secretary-General Martin Palmer; and Danny Ronen, general manager of Haifa Tourist Board. Photograph: ARC/Katia Marsh."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580865-86802a.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Faith leaders gather for the \"Celebration\" at the Sacred Land event, Assisi, marking 25 years of the partnership between faith and conservation. The Green Pilgrimage Network was launched at the event on 1 November, organised by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) in association with WWF. Photograph: ARC/Katia Marsh."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Baha'i World News Service stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":829,"relatedStoryCaption":"Representatives of the Baha'i Faith join call for the G8 bloc of nations to take bold action on the interconnected crises faced by humanity."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":779,"relatedStoryCaption":"Global concerns require \"inspired leadership and action.\""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":816,"relatedStoryCaption":"Haifa's golden-domed Baha'i Shrine unveiled - to the delight of visitors, pilgrims and residents of the city."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":867,"evergreenUrl":"un-strongly-condemns-irans-human-rights-violations-european-parliament-joins-global-outcry","title":"UN strongly condemns Iran's human rights violations; European Parliament joins global outcry","description":"Using some of its strongest language to date, the United Nations General Assembly has roundly condemned Iran for its \"serious ongoing and recurring...","date":"2011-11-21","customDateline":false,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580846-un0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580846-un0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The United Nations Headquarters buildings in New York City. The UN General Assembly Third Committee today voted in favor of a resolution that condemned Iran for its “serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations.” The resolution – which is expected to be confirmed by the full Assembly in December – also requests that the UN Secretary General issue a report on human rights in Iran again next year. UN Photo/Mark Garten.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Using some of its strongest language to date, the United Nations General Assembly has roundly condemned Iran for its \"serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations.\"\n\nBy a vote of 86 to 32, with 59 abstentions, the Assembly's Third Committee today approved a six-page resolution that catalogs a wide range of abuses in Iran, including \"a dramatic increase\" in executions, the use of torture, the systematic targeting of human rights defenders, pervasive violence against women, and continuing discrimination against minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith.\n\n[Read the full resolution here](http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/867_Iran_human_rights_situation.pdf)\n\n\"With its long and detailed list of crimes against ordinary citizens, this year's resolution has condemned the behavior of the Iranian authorities in the strongest language we have yet seen,\" said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the UN.\n\n\"The result can leave no doubt about what the world community thinks of Iran's relentless efforts to violate virtually every human right,\" she said.\n\nThe resolution follows recent reports from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the new Special Rapporteur on human rights for Iran that were also strongly critical of the Islamic Republic's human rights abuses.\n\n**Areas of concern**\n\nCo-sponsored by 42 countries, the resolution lists some 16 areas of concern, ranging from torture and an increased use of the death penalty to the \"systematic and serious restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly\" and \"severe limitations and restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.\"\n\nIt also mentions concerns over \"unlawful interference\" with individual privacy, citing the state's monitoring of correspondence, emails, and voicemail.\n\nIran's persistent failure at upholding due process of law is also highlighted, which includes \"the systematic and arbitrary use of prolonged solitary confinement, the lack of access of detainees to legal representation of their choice, the refusal to consider granting bail to detainees, and the poor conditions of prisons, including the serious overcrowding and poor level of sanitation, as well as persistent reports of detainees being subjected to torture and rape and other forms of sexual violence.\"\n\n**\"Escalating attacks on Baha'is\"**\n\nContinuing violations and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities are another cause for concern, in particular the problems facing Arabs, Azeris, Baluchis and Kurds, as well as discrimination against Christians, Jews, Sufis, Sunni Muslims and Zoroastrians.\n\n\"[E]scalating attacks on Baha'is and their defenders,\" are reported, \"including in State sponsored media, a significant increase in the number of Baha'is arrested and detained, including the targeted attack on the Baha'i educational institution, the reinstatement of twenty-year sentences against seven Baha'i leaders following deeply flawed legal proceedings, and renewed measures to deny Baha'is employment in the public and private sectors.\"\n\nThe resolution calls upon Iran to \"eliminate discrimination against, and exclusion of, women and members of certain groups, including members of the Baha'i faith, regarding access to higher education, and to eliminate the criminalization of efforts to provide higher education to Baha'i youth denied access to Iranian universities.\"\n\nThe country must also cooperate with the UN and its officials in efforts to monitor human rights compliance.\n\n\"This resolution is a powerful testimony to the degree to which all Iranians – not just a few minorities or dissidents – are living under a state of siege, where harassment, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, torture and the threat of death have become daily concerns,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\nThe resolution – which is expected to be confirmed by the full Assembly in December – also requests that the UN Secretary General issue a report on human rights in Iran again next year.\n\n**European resolution**\n\nA similarly strong resolution condemning Iran for its human rights violations was adopted by the European Parliament last Thursday. [Read the resolution here.](http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P7-RC-2011-0594&language=EN)\n\nThe resolution likewise cited numerous concerns, ranging from increased executions and the widespread use of torture to the systematic oppression of human rights defenders, journalists, women and minorities.\n\nThe European Parliament also took note of Iran's increased persecution of Baha'is, noting they \"suffer heavy discrimination, including denial of access to education\" and that seven Baha'i leaders remain imprisoned and \"over 100 community members remain under arrest.\"\n\n\"We welcome these resolutions and hope that the Iranian government will finally heed the international community's call for an end to such practices and a return to the rule of law,\" said Bani Dugal.\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Report which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, profiles of imprisoned educators, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(UN General Assembly resolution)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/867_Iran_human_rights_situation.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 46KB) ","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":863,"relatedStoryCaption":"Iranian government is systematically stirring up hatred and discrimination against its Baha'i minority."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":862,"relatedStoryCaption":"Seven Baha'i educators in Iran each receive four- or five-year prison sentences, according to reports received by the Baha'i International Community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":859,"relatedStoryCaption":"Newly appointed investigator appeals for rights and freedoms to be protected in Iran."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":866,"evergreenUrl":"south-african-bahais-reflect-100-years-racial-unity","title":"South African Baha'is reflect on 100 years of racial unity","description":"Today, Baha'is here of all backgrounds can freely meet together and demonstrate their belief in the oneness of humanity. But this has not always...","date":"2011-11-18","customDateline":false,"city":"JOHANNESBURG","country":"SOUTH AFRICA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580826-img0463.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580826-img0463.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Among the prominent guests at the centenary celebration of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith in South Africa, held in Johannesburg on 12 November 2011, were: (from left to right) Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, the former First Lady of South Africa; and members of the Royal House of the AmaMpondo people - Her Royal Highness Princess Phumla Nongalaza; Mr. Siviwe Ngcingwana, the Royal Councilor and Economic Development Advisor to His Majesty King Mpondombini Sigcau-Thandizulu; and Her Royal Highness Princess Zingisa Sigcau.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Today, Baha'is here of all backgrounds can freely meet together and demonstrate their belief in the oneness of humanity. But this has not always been the case.\n\nAmong the stories told at the centenary commemoration of the South African Baha'i community were those recounting the perils faced by Baha'is who were trying to follow their faith during the hardest years of apartheid.\n\n\"The community reflected on the role of the early Baha'is in promoting unity in a country with a volatile and racially segregated past,\" said Khwezi Fudu, a spokesperson for the Baha'is of South Africa.\n\n\"But we also celebrated – through musical, dramatic and audio-visual presentations – the contribution that the Baha'i community has made to the country in the areas of racial unity, moral education of children and young people, gender equality and interfaith dialogue.\"\n\nIn a message to the gathering, held at the national Baha'i center on 12 November, former South African President Thabo Mbeki said, \"We are...greatly encouraged by the fact that as you have responded to the challenges of human development you have sought not only to deliver services but also to nurture the capacity of all human beings to develop themselves, including their morality.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"We are honored and feel greatly strengthened that we have members of the Baha'i Faith in our country and among us,\" he added.\n\n*A multi-racial election*\n\nDignitaries and guests attending the commemoration heard how, after the Baha'i Faith first arrived in South Africa in 1911, people of all races gradually joined the community.  By 1956, when the community was sufficiently large to initially elect a regional governing council, Baha'is from southern Africa of varied racial backgrounds gathered at a small farm in Highveld.\n\nAs a precaution, Reginald Turvey – an acclaimed painter who was a Baha'i – was posted on the road to the farmhouse as a lookout. If the security police approached, he was to signal and the voters would then disperse. The African Baha'is would pretend to be cleaning and cooking while the white community members would pretend to be playing cards.\n\nThat historic election went off without a hitch – its result a testimony to the Baha'i principle of racial unity: of the nine members elected, two were black and one was a colored South African, along with a Swazi and a Mozambiquan, and four whites.\n\n*Distinguished guests*\n\nGuests at the centenary commemoration included South Africa's former first lady,  Zanele Mbeki; the Sigcau royal family of the AmaMpondo people; Agostinho Zacarias – the United Nations' Resident Coordinator;  and other distinguished individuals, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, artists, media and corporate representatives, academics, religious leaders and social activists.\n\nThe Australian High Commissioner – Her Excellency Mrs. Ann Harrap – who gave a keynote address that explored issues such as the empowerment of women, described the occasion as \"entertaining, inspirational and educational.\"\n\n\"I was overwhelmed by how the Baha'i community has come together to present what they have contributed to South African society over the past 100 years,\" she said."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580827-img0411.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The Baha'i Diversity Choir performs at the celebration of the centenary of the Baha'i Faith in South Africa."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Related Stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":865,"relatedStoryCaption":"Delhi's Chief Minister praised the Baha'i House of Worship's impact on Indian society."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":806,"relatedStoryCaption":"Temple ceremony celebrates the oneness of religion."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":769,"relatedStoryCaption":"21 nations elect their national assemblies for the 50th time."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"Discourse"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":865,"evergreenUrl":"lotus-temple-embodies-message-world-today","title":"Lotus temple embodies \"message for the world of today\"","description":"On the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Baha'i House of Worship here, Delhi's Chief Minister has praised the impact the temple has made...","date":"2011-11-14","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW DELHI","country":"INDIA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580799-86501houseofworship.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580799-86501houseofworship.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi, India. An estimated 70 million people have been welcomed through its doors since its opening 25 years ago, making it one of the world's most visited buildings. The temple is currently also highlighted in the \"Incredible India\" campaign, the Indian government's international strategy to showcase the cultural diversity and special achievements of the country.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"On the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Baha'i House of Worship here, Delhi's Chief Minister has praised the impact the temple has made on Indian society, and beyond.\n\n\"This is a very iconic building of India. There's nothing like this anywhere else,\" Sheila Dikshit told the crowd attending the temple's silver jubilee festivities. \"It is thanks to this temple that Delhi has also found a way to reach the hearts of millions of people all over the world.\"\n\nThe Chief Minister's remarks came as she paid a special visit on the final morning of a weekend-long celebratory program, at which more than 5,000 visitors from throughout the sub-continent – as well as almost 60 other countries – gathered at the temple's grounds.\n\n\"I wish I could express in words my joy,\" Mrs. Dikshit told the celebration. \"Your message is the message for the world of today. The Baha'i Faith is the faith that teaches us all are equal. It rises above any narrow consideration of humanity.\"\n\nIn its message to mark the occasion, the Universal House of Justice noted the temple's \"power to harmonize the manifest diversity of its visitors, to awaken nobility in hearts, and to strengthen hope for peace.\"\n\n\"Under the shadow of this magnificent edifice, millions who seek God have found tranquillity and been uplifted by the songs of praise and exaltation that rise from its inner sanctum,\" wrote the Universal House of Justice.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Greetings were also received from the President of India, Mrs. Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and former President, Dr. A.P.J. Kalam.\n\n\"The House of Worship with its beautiful environment transmits a message on how to celebrate the differences existing in the society,\" Dr. Kalam wrote. \"This culture of celebrating the differences in the society is the greatest contribution made by (the) Baha'i Faith to humanity.\"\n\nThe Baha'i House of Worship, popularly referred to as the \"Lotus Temple\" – because of its award-winning design inspired by a lotus flower – is one of the most visited buildings in the world. Over the past quarter of a century, it has received an average of 4.3 million visitors every year – from all nations, religions and walks of life.\n\nOpen to all people, the purpose of Baha'i Houses of Worship is to provide a central gathering place for prayer and meditation as well as, in time, a range of facilities to serve the social and educational needs of the population.\n\nThe temple in New Delhi – observed the Universal House of Justice – \"has not only given expression to humanity's deep-felt longing to worship God but also demonstrated its efficacy in translating and transfusing that worship into a dynamic and dispassionate service for the betterment of humankind.\"\n\nThe growing contribution made by the House of Worship to Indian society was noted by India's Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai, who wrote how it \"serves as a venue for non-denominational activities such as the spiritual and moral education for children and young people, as well as gatherings where adults systematically study spiritual principles and their application in daily life.\"\n\nThe message that \"worship is not complete unless it is translated into service,\" was reiterated throughout the weekend's presentations, on such themes as communal harmony, social transformation, the education of children, and the empowerment of youth.\n\nThe contribution of young people was evident in the devotional programs, artistic presentations and talks, which included addresses by a number of individuals and representatives of organizations who received \"Champions of Social Transformation\" awards.\n\n*Temple's builders honored*\n\nConcluding her remarks, the Chief Minister of Delhi paid tribute to the House of Worship's architect, Fariborz Sahba of Canada – who was also in attendance – and those who maintain the temple today.\n\n\"Above all, I'd like to bow my head in front of those who keep this building looking as it did on the first day,\" said Mrs. Dikshit.\n\nSix members of the building's original construction team were presented with a special commemorative gift. Among them was Anumolu Ramakrishna, former president and deputy managing director of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. – the engineering firm which built the temple.\n\n\"A construction project needs unity,\" said Mr. Ramakrishna. \"Unless all work unitedly, it doesn't work.\"\n\n\"This temple could not be built today,\" he added, \"That type of committed workman, that craftsmanship, is not there anymore. This building is a jewel.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580785-86502indiachiefminister.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit – pictured left – greets the more than 5,000 visitors assembled for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Baha'i House of Worship, 11-12 November 2011. She is welcomed to the stage by Naznene Rowhani, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580784-86503indiapanchgani.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A group from the New Era High School in Panchgani, Maharashtra, offer a musical devotional program at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Baha'i House of Worship, New Delhi."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580784-86504indiacostumes.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Almost 60 countries were represented at the silver jubilee festivities for the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi, 11-12 November 2011, which culminated in a parade of the nations represented. Pictured are visitors from Indonesia in traditional costume."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543580801-86505indiadancer.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A traditional dancer from Odisha state, located on the east coast of India, performs at the 25th anniversary celebrations for the Baha'i House of Worship, New Delhi, 11-12 November, 2011."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Stories about Baha'i Houses of Worship"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":851,"relatedStoryCaption":"At 50th anniversary, dignitaries praise temple's contribution to the life of the community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":806,"relatedStoryCaption":"Temple ceremony celebrates the oneness of religion."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":800,"relatedStoryCaption":"Excavation is under way for the new Baha'i House of Worship in Santiago."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"houses_of_worship"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":864,"evergreenUrl":"trial-bahai-educators-condemnation-spreads","title":"Trial of Baha'i educators: condemnation spreads","description":"As more information has emerged regarding the trial of seven Baha'i educators, the worldwide outcry at the persecution of Iranian Baha'i students...","date":"2011-11-07","customDateline":null,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543991339-86400.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543991339-86400.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The seven imprisoned Baha'i educators are (top row, left to right): Mahmoud Badavam, Ramin Zibaie, Riaz Sobhani, Farhad Sedghi; (bottom row, left to right) Noushin Khadem, Kamran Mortezaie, and Vahid Mahmoudi.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"As more information has emerged regarding the trial of seven Baha'i educators, the worldwide outcry at the persecution of Iranian Baha'i students and teachers continues to spread.\n\nIn recent days, politicians in Brazil, academics in Germany and Ireland, and an international group of distinguished filmmakers, have condemned the systematic barring of Baha'is from higher education in Iran, and the Iranian government's attack on the Baha'i community's informal efforts to educate its own young members.\n\nThe Baha'i International Community has recently learned that the seven jailed educators – all lecturers or helpers with a community initiative known as the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) – were taken to court on two separate days, handcuffed and chained at the ankles. There, in the presence of their attorneys, they were informed of the verdict and their sentences.\n\n\"Neither the defendants nor their lawyers has seen a written copy of the verdict,\" said Diane Ala'i, representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva, \"but we know from transcripts taken down by people present at the hearing that the seven were found guilty of 'membership in the deviant Bahaist sect, with the goal of taking action against the security of the country, in order to further the aims of the deviant sect and those of organizations outside the country.'\"\n\nThe judgements also cast the activities of the accused in BIHE as crimes – and as evidence of their supposed aim to subvert the state, added Ms. Ala'i.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Two of the Baha'is, Vahid Mahmoudi and Kamran Mortezaie, each received five years imprisonment, while four year jail terms were given to Mahmoud Badavam, Nooshin Khadem, Farhad Sedghi, Riaz Sobhani and Ramin Zibaie.\n\n\"The authorities know full well that there is no truth whatsoever to the charges,\" said Ms. Ala'i. \"The prohibition on foreign diplomats attending court – and the refusal of the judiciary to provide written documentation of the verdict – show how unjustifiable the assertions and actions of the government are, and clearly expose the blatant religious discrimination that is at the heart of this case.\"\n\n**Ongoing condemnation**\n\nIn the past five months since they were first detained, the outcry at the incarceration of the seven educators has spanned the world. [UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon](/story/858) has led the criticism of Iran's actions, along with such prominent global figures as Nobel Peace Prize laureates [Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Jose Ramos-Horta](/story/852), President of East Timor. In October, some [43 distinguished philosophers and theologians](/story/857) in 16 countries signed an open letter protesting against the attack on BIHE.\n\nLast Friday, in **Ireland**, more than [50 academics](http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/letters/2011/1104/1224307039487.html) called upon the Iranian authorities to cease attacking Baha'is and allow access to higher education for all. \"It is hard to believe that any government would deny the right to education to a group of students,\" they wrote to the *Irish Times*. \"It is clear from these actions that the Iranian authorities are determined to block the progress and development of these young people by denying them an education solely on the basis of their religion.\"\n\nIn **Germany**, some [45 prominent professors](http://www.bahai.de/artikel/article/professoren-aus-deutschland-richten-protestschreiben-an-iranische-regierung.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=14&cHash=b89891f64c) also demanded the immediate release of the seven. In a letter dated 25 October to Iran's Minister for Science, Research and Technology, they wrote, \"We insist upon the unrestricted observance of the right of higher education for all citizens of your country in accordance with international norms...\"\n\nFour days earlier, [Markus Loning](http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2011/111021-MRHH_Iran.html?nn=344866) – Germany's Foreign Office Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid – said: \"The accused must have a right to a transparent process according to the principles of the rule of law.\" [Rolf Mutzenich](http://www.spdfraktion.de/cnt/rs/rs_dok/0,,58644,00.html), foreign policy spokesperson for Germany's Social Democratic parliamentary group described the judgement as \"unacceptable, and the religious intolerance it reflects is intolerable....It is urgent and necessary for the Iranian government to end its discrimination against the Baha'is and to respect their basic rights to education and to practice their faith.\"\n\nLast week, [26 filmmakers, producers and actors](http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ilustrada/1001917-cineastas-pedem-que-governo-brasileiro-defenda-colegas-iranianos.shtml) urged the government of **Brazil** to defend the rights of filmmakers, journalists and Baha'i educators and call upon Iran to immediately release them. Among the signatories to the open letter, reported in the prestigious *Folha de São Paolo* newspaper, were such acclaimed directors as Hector Babenco, Atom Egoyan, Mohsen Makhmalbaf and Walter Salles.\n\nIn a statement on 20 October, [Brazilian Federal Representative Luiz Couto](http://bahaisnoira-congresso.blogspot.com/2011/10/deputado-federal-luiz-couto-20-de_31.html) – former president of the country's Human Rights Commission – said, \"We all know the work that is developed by the Baha'is in Brazil in the areas of equality, justice and human rights; and many of us are also familiar with their educational work in the communities...Why can't these people have the right to profess their faith?\"\n\nSupport for the imprisoned educators has also come from [Scholars at Risk](http://scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Events-News/Article-Detail.php?art_uid=3179) (SIR), an international network of over 260 universities and colleges in 33 countries dedicated to promoting academic freedom, and freedom of thought, opinion, expression, association and travel.\n\n\"[T]he facts suggest an attempt to exclude Baha'i individuals from higher education opportunities in Iran, and raise serious concerns about a wider campaign to limit the ability of intellectuals and scholars generally to work freely in Iran,\" SIR wrote on 31 October.\n\n\"Scholars at Risk finds these suggestions particularly distressing and unfortunate, given Iran's rich intellectual history and traditional support for the values of scholarship and free inquiry.\"\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543991339-86401.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The sentencing of seven Baha'i educators, and the Iranian authorities' attack on the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education, continue to spark outrage around the world. Pictured are examples of reaction from politicians, organizations, academics and prominent indivudals."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Latest Iran-related stories from the Baha'i World News Service"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":863,"relatedStoryCaption":"Recent wave of attacks reported as UN body says Iran is violating major human rights treaty."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":862,"relatedStoryCaption":"Baha'i case is among the most \"extreme manifestations of religious intolerance and persecution\" in the world today."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":861,"relatedStoryCaption":"The Iranian government is systematically stirring up hatred and discrimination against its Baha'i minority."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":863,"evergreenUrl":"attacks-bahais-continue-irans-human-rights-record-comes-under-further-un-scrutiny","title":"Attacks on Baha'is continue as Iran's human rights record comes under further UN scrutiny","description":"As a United Nations body concluded that Iran's persecution of Baha'is is clearly violating one of the world's major human rights treaties, the...","date":"2011-11-04","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579999-ungeneva.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579999-ungeneva.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The United Nations Human Rights Committee, meeting at the Geneva headquarters of the UN, pictured, has urged Iran to “take immediate steps to ensure that members of the Baha’i community are protected against discrimination in every field…” The Committee’s recommendations coincided with the Baha’i International Community learning of a new wave of attacks against Baha’is and their property in Iran.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"As a United Nations body concluded that Iran's persecution of Baha'is is clearly violating one of the world's major human rights treaties, the Baha'i International Community has learned of a recent wave of attacks on Baha'is and their property.\n\nIn Rasht, three women were arrested on charges of activity against national security following terrifying raids on 16 Baha'i homes. In Semnan, around ten Baha'i-owned shops were sealed up by the authorities and two business licences were cancelled. In the city of Sanandaj, it has been reported that authorities have attempted to persuade groups of Baha'is to give an undertaking not to participate in gatherings – known as the Nineteen Day Feast – held in the homes of their co-religionists.\n\n\"These recent events have all the appearance of being centrally coordinated,\" said Diane Ala'i, representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, \"and clearly contradict statements we often hear from the Iranian authorities that Baha'is are entitled to the same rights as others and that activities related to personal beliefs and community affairs are permitted.\"\n\nMore than 100 Baha'is are currently held in Iranian prisons. They include the community's seven leaders – each serving 20-year jail sentences on trumped up charges – and seven educators imprisoned for their involvement in an informal initiative established to help young Baha'is barred by the government from higher education.  But that is not the whole story.\n\nIn addition to those already behind bars, more than 300 Baha'is who have been previously arrested and then released are either awaiting trial or the call to begin serving out their sentences. The sums they have been required to post for bail – most often using property deeds or business licenses as collateral – are exorbitant.  Hundreds of Baha'i homes have been raided and personal belongings – including books, computers, mobile phones, photographs and documents – have been confiscated.\n\nAll of this constitutes a further drain on the resources of Baha'is who are already being subjected to wide-ranging and systematic efforts to impoverish them through tactics such as: being debarred from owning – or working in – more than 25 types of business; the summary cancellation of business licenses; the sealing up of Baha'i-owned shops; the threatening of employers against hiring Baha'is; and the banning of young Baha'is from higher education.\n\nYesterday, the UN Human Rights Committee – a body of 18 independent experts – criticized Iran's non-compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which the country has signed and ratified.\n\nThe Committee's findings came two weeks after a hearing at which an Iranian government delegation sought to defend their human rights record. The delegation's 27-page written report claimed that \"no Iranian citizen enjoys priority over others due to his/her race, religion or particular language.\"\n\nDuring the hearing, numerous questions were posed by the Committee about Iran's treatment of Baha'is. One Committee member, Ahmad Fathalla of Egypt, said that since religion and conviction or belief are given the same status in the ICCPR, Iran must allow Baha'is the right to manifest their beliefs \"both individually and in community with others, both in public or in private,\" even if the authorities do not consider the Baha'i Faith to be a religion.\n\nConcern was also expressed over a wide range of other human rights violations, including the high rate of death sentences, the lack of women in top government positions, and the widespread use of torture.\n\nAmong its conclusions, the Committee urged Iran to \"take immediate steps to ensure that members of the Baha'i community are protected against discrimination in every field, that violations of their rights are immediately investigated, that those found responsible are prosecuted and that they are provided with effective remedies.\"\n\nWelcoming the Committee's report, Diane Ala'i said, \"The UN Human Rights Committee is telling Iran to stop making excuses and to live up to its commitment to protect the rights of all its citizens to enjoy complete freedom of religion.\"\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[The Baha'is of Semnan - Special Report](https://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/semnan/)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedLinkRecord","relatedLinkText":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Latest Iran-related stories from the Baha'i World News Service"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":862,"relatedStoryCaption":"Baha'i case is among the most \"extreme manifestations of religious intolerance and persecution\" in the world today."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":861,"relatedStoryCaption":"The Iranian government is systematically stirring up hatred and discrimination against its Baha'i minority."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":860,"relatedStoryCaption":"Seven Baha'i educators in Iran each receive four- or five-year prison sentences, according to reports received by the Baha'i International Community."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":862,"evergreenUrl":"un-religious-freedom-expert-iran-is-systematically-persecuting-bahais","title":"UN religious freedom expert: Iran is systematically persecuting Baha'is","description":"Iran's persecution of Baha'is is among the most \"extreme manifestations of religious intolerance and persecution\" in the world today, according...","date":"2011-10-23","customDateline":false,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579974-86200.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579974-86200.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Heiner Bielefeldt – the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief – briefs correspondents on the issue at UN Headquarters on Thursday 20 October. The Iranian government has a \"clearly articulated policy of extreme hostility\" towards its 300,000-strong Baha'i minority, said Dr. Bielefeldt. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Iran's persecution of Baha'is is among the most \"extreme manifestations of religious intolerance and persecution\" in the world today, according to a UN expert.\n\nThe remarks of Heiner Bielefeldt – Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief – came during a press conference here in response to a question about a [new report](http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book) that documents the Iranian government's media campaign to demonize Baha'is.\n\n\"The Iranian government has a policy of systematic persecution...\" said Dr. Bielefeldt, \"with the view of even destroying that religion worldwide...It's a very clear, clearly articulated policy of extreme hostility.\"\n\nAsked whether he had received any response from Iran to his statements on the issue, Dr. Bielefeldt replied, \"The typical response is the following: Bahaism is not a religion, it's a cult, it's an evil cult.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"They distinguish...between genuine religions – in their understanding the divinely revealed religions Judaism, Christianity and, of course, Islam – and the rest,\" he said. \"So this is a problem.\n\n\"I mean they really excommunicate, systematically, the Baha'is from the application of freedom of religion or belief by simply denying their faith to have the status of a religion.  And this is something states cannot do.\"\n\nFreedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, he said at the press conference on Thursday.\n\n\"The starting point must be the self-understanding of human beings. Their deep convictions...That is what counts,\" he said.\n\n**Inciting Hatred**\n\nOne aspect of the Iranian government's campaign against Baha'is is documented in the report, *Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Baha'is*, which provides evidence of a state-sponsored strategy to vilify the Baha'i community.\n\nThe report, launched on 21 October, highlights false accusations of Baha'is being involved in a variety of subversive practices including being anti-Islamic, morally corrupt, and agents for foreign powers.\n\nResponding to the findings, Faraz Sanei – Iran researcher with the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch – told CNN that rights groups have long documented Iran's actions against Baha'is, designed to \"deprive them of their ability to freely manifest the beliefs and teachings of their faith.\"\n\nThe report, said Dr. Sanei, provides \"valuable insight into the mechanics of a less documented and more insidious element of this campaign – anti-Baha'i propaganda propagated by official and semi-official media outlets, and the degree to which hate speech further exposes an already vulnerable minority group to discrimination and attacks by private actors.\"\n\nAt the report's launch, Bani Dugal – Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations – noted that Baha'is in Iran \"are particularly vulnerable to campaigns such as this because they don't have any right to reply.\"\n\n[**Special Section –* Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Bahá'ís***](http://bic.org/areas-of-work/persecution/inciting-hatred-irans-media-campaign-to-demonize-bahais)\n\n*A Special Section of the Baha'i International Community United Nations Office website presents the full report,* Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Bahá'ís* in English and Persian, as well as an online only 197-page appendix that summarizes each of the 400-plus documents or articles that were collected during the period of this survey, from 17 December 2009 to 16 May 2011.*"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579974-86201.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The report, \"Inciting Hatred – Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is,\" was launched on Friday 21 October at the New York offices of the Baha'i International Community (BIC). Pictured here are, left, Bani Dugal, the BIC's Principal Representative to the United Nations; and, right, Diane Ala'i, BIC Representative to the UN in Geneva. The report reflects the Iranian government's \"irrational fear\" and \"great contempt\" of its Baha'i community, said Ms. Ala'i."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Baha'is"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Full report)[http://bic.org/resources/documents/inciting-hatred-book] (Adobe Acrobat 1.55MB)","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The persecution of 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 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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Latest Iran-related stories from the Baha'i World News Service"}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":861,"evergreenUrl":"report-exposes-irans-media-campaign-demonize-bahais","title":"Report exposes Iran's media campaign to demonize Baha'is","description":"In a wide-ranging media campaign that has gone largely unnoticed outside of Iran, hatred and discrimination are being systematically stirred...","date":"2011-10-21","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579959-86000.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579959-86000.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The report – titled \"Inciting Hatred: Iran's Media Campaign to Demonize Baha'is\" – documents and analyzes more than 400 press and media items between late 2009 and early 2011, which clearly expose Iran's state-sponsored effort to vilify its largest non-Muslim religious minority.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"In a wide-ranging media campaign that has gone largely unnoticed outside of Iran, hatred and discrimination are being systematically stirred up against the country's 300,000-member Baha'i minority.\n\nIn a report released today, the Baha'i International Community documents and analyzes more than 400 press and media items over a 16-month period, that typify an insidious state-sponsored effort to demonize and vilify Baha'is, using false accusations, inflammatory terminology, and repugnant imagery.\n\n[Read the full report](http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/861_Inciting-Hatred_BIC Report_Web_111024.pdf) (PDF)\n\n\"This anti-Baha'i propaganda is shocking in its volume and vehemence, its scope and sophistication,\" said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.\n\n\"It's all cynically calculated to stir up antagonism against a peaceful religious community whose members are striving to contribute to the well-being of their society,\" she said.\n\nTitled *Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Baha'is*, the report's main conclusions are:\n\n• anti-Baha'i propaganda originates with – and is sanctioned by – the country's highest levels of leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who gave a highly discriminatory speech in the holy city of Qom a year ago;\n\n• the campaign spurns international human rights law and norms, including a precedent-setting resolution passed earlier this year at the United Nations Human Rights Council that specifically condemns and combats the negative stereotyping and incitement to hatred of religious minorities;\n\n• Baha'is are branded as \"outsiders\" in their own land and as enemies of Islam in a manner that is clearly calculated to provoke the religious sensibilities of Iranian Shiite Muslims;\n\n• the campaign aims to deflect attention away from calls for democracy in Iran by using Baha'is as an all-purpose \"scapegoat\" – and, in so doing, to smear those who oppose the government as well as human rights campaigners as Baha'is, \"as if that were the most heinous crime.\"\n\n• the authorities disseminate ludicrous conspiracy theories including that foreign broadcasters, in particular the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Voice of America (VOA), are controlled by or under the influence of Baha'is because they report stories about human rights violations in Iran;\n\n\"The diverse content of these attacks demonstrates tremendous effort and commitment of resources by the Islamic Republic,\" says the report.\n\n\"Many attacks are built on gross distortions of Baha'i history; some attempt a strategy of guilt by association through lumping Baha'is together with completely unrelated groups – such as 'Satanists' or the Shah's secret police; still others deploy a tactic of connecting Baha'is with 'opponents' of the regime, which allows the Government to discredit both the Baha'is and its opponents in a single transaction. The campaign makes extensive use of the World Wide Web, and often uses graphic images that portray Baha'is as fiendish ghouls or agents of Israel.\"\n\nBani Dugal said the demonization of Iran's Baha'i community is a matter that deserves the attention of governments, international legal institutions, and fair-minded people everywhere.\n\n\"The campaign not only clearly violates international human rights law,\" she said, \"it also utterly contradicts Iran's long-standing claim at the UN and elsewhere that it is working to support measures to outlaw or condemn hate speech directed against religions or religious followers.\"\n\n\"The parallels between the campaign of anti-Baha'i propaganda in Iran today and other state-sponsored, anti-religious campaigns of the past are undeniable. History shows us that such campaigns are among the foremost predictors of actual violence against religious minorities – or, in the worst case, precursors of genocide.\n\n\"It is time for Iran to be told that such egregious violations of international law and norms cannot be tolerated,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\n[**Special Section –* Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Bahá'ís***](http://bic.org/areas-of-work/persecution/inciting-hatred-irans-media-campaign-to-demonize-bahais)\n\n*A Special Section of the Baha'i International Community United Nations Office website presents the full report,* Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Bahá'ís* in English and Persian, as well as an online only 197-page appendix that summarizes each of the 400-plus documents or articles that were collected during the period of this survey, from 17 December 2009 to 16 May 2011.*"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Inciting Hatred: Iran's media campaign to demonize Baha'is"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Full report)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/861_Inciting-Hatred_BIC Report_Web_111024.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 1.55MB)","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The persecution of 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 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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Latest Iran-related stories from the Baha'i World News Service"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":860,"relatedStoryCaption":"Seven Baha'i educators in Iran have each received four- or five-year prison sentences, according to reports received by the Baha'i International Community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":859,"relatedStoryCaption":"Newly appointed investigator appeals for rights and freedoms to be protected in Iran."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":858,"relatedStoryCaption":"For the fourth consecutive year, Ban Ki-moon, strongly criticizes Iran's record on human rights."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":860,"evergreenUrl":"bahai-educators-sentenced","title":"Baha'i educators sentenced","description":"Seven Baha'i educators in Iran have each received four- or five-year prison sentences, according to reports received by the Baha'i International...","date":"2011-10-18","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579947-84900.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579947-84900.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The seven Baha'i educators sentenced to prison are (top row, left to right): Mahmoud Badavam, Ramin Zibaie, Riaz Sobhani, Farhad Sedghi; (bottom row, left to right) Noushin Khadem, Kamran Mortezaie, and Vahid Mahmoudi.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Seven Baha'i educators in Iran have each received four- or five-year prison sentences, according to reports received by the Baha'i International Community.\n\nVerdicts against the seven were reportedly handed down by a judge at Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran.\n\nThe educators have been detained for almost five months in connection with their involvement in an informal community initiative – known as the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) – in which Baha'i professors, debarred by the Iranian government from practicing their professions, offer their services to teach young community members who are banned from university.\n\nTwo of the individuals, Vahid Mahmoudi and Kamran Mortezaie, were each sentenced to five years imprisonment.\n\nFour year jail terms were given to BIHE lecturers Ramin Zibaie, Mahmoud Badavam and Farhad Sedghi, consultant Riaz Sobhani, and helper Nooshin Khadem.\n\n[Read profiles of the BIHE prisoners](/human-rights/iran/education/profiles)\n\n\"It is not even clear at this stage what the exact charges were against these innocent souls, whose only desire was to serve young people who have been unjustly barred from higher education on purely religious grounds,\" said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.\n\n\"What kind of society makes educating the young a punishable crime?\" she said.\n\nTwo other Baha'is associated with BIHE – husband and wife Kamran Rahimian and Faran Hesami, both psychology instructors – are also still being held without charge.\n\n**Global protest**\n\nThe most recent attacks carried out against BIHE continue to provoke condemnation from governments, organizations, academics and young people throughout the world.\n\nMore than 70 academics in Australia, including University of Ballarat vice-chancellor, David Battersby, have signed an [open letter](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/call-for-iran-to-release-bahai-academics/story-e6frgcjx-1226170010998) protesting Iran's educational discrimination against Baha'is and calling for the immediate release of the imprisoned educators.\n\nOn 10 October, 43 prominent philosophers and theologians in 16 countries signed a [letter of protest](/story/857). “To acquire knowledge and learning is the sacred and legal right of all; indeed, the state is obliged to provide it. In Iran, the government has done the opposite...” wrote the academics.\n\nTwo Nobel Peace Prize laureates –  Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, and Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor – in another [open letter](/story/852), sharply criticized the Iranian government, comparing its actions to \"the Dark Ages of Europe\" or the \"Spanish Inquisition.\"\n\nOn 5 October, resuming a [Canadian Senate debate](http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/Sen/Chamber/411/Debates/017db_2011-10-05-e.htm#28) about the Baha’is in Iran, Senator Hugh Segal described the suffering heaped on Baha’is as “systematic and brutal, especially when the Baha’i are known as a peaceful faith that embraces the sanctity of all religions.”\n\n“The official Iranian oppression of Baha’i … is a clarion call to humanity and to free peoples and democracies everywhere to look directly at the harsh colors of the Iranian reality and not look away until the challenge is faced head on,” said Senator Segal.\n\nAround 112 Baha’is are currently behind bars in Iran because of their religion. This includes the seven Baha’i leaders, serving 20-year jail terms on trumped-up charges. The cases of some 300 other Baha’is are still active with the Iranian authorities.\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, profiles of imprisoned Baha'i educators, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":859,"relatedStoryCaption":"Newly appointed UN investigator appeals for rights and freedoms of minorities and women to be protected."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":858,"relatedStoryCaption":"Ban Ki-moon strongly criticizes Iran's record on human rights."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":857,"relatedStoryCaption":"43 academics condemn Iran's policy to bar young Baha'is from higher education."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":859,"evergreenUrl":"un-monitor-iran-presents-first-findings-human-rights-abuses","title":"UN monitor for Iran presents first findings on human rights abuses","description":"In his first report, the newly appointed UN investigator into human rights in Iran has appealed to the Iranian government to create a culture...","date":"2011-10-16","customDateline":false,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579931-859000.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579931-859000.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Ahmed Shaheed, the new United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. He took up his position on 1 August 2011. The creation of the post – which monitors Iran's compliance with international human rights standards – was approved by a vote at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year. UN Photo/Steven Koh.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"In his first report, the newly appointed UN investigator into human rights in Iran has appealed to the Iranian government to create a culture in which the fundamental rights and freedoms of minorities and women are protected.\n\nSpecial Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed also urged Iran to refrain from repressing dissent, expressed concern about the deteriorating health of some prisoners, and repeated an earlier request to be allowed to visit the country.\n\nThe interim report – submitted to the UN General Assembly at its 66th session now under way in New York – follows concerns about Iran expressed last week by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.\n\n[Read the Special Rapporteur's report](http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/859_Special_Rapporteur_report.pdf)\n\nThe Special Rapporteur, who took up his duties on 1 August, states that – instead of presenting a substantive report – he is focussing on presenting his proposed methodology for dealing with Iran, and cataloging the most recent trends in its human rights situation, gleaned from first-hand testimonies offered to him by individuals and organizations since his appointment.\n\nThese include widespread abuses against political and women's rights activists, journalists, filmmakers, human rights lawyers, and environmental campaigners; the use of torture against detainees; the imposition of the death penalty in the absence of proper judicial safeguards; requests for exorbitant bail requirements; and the lack of independence of judges.\n\nThe Special Rapporteur also expresses his concerns about human rights violations against minority groups including Arabs, Azeris, Baha'is, Balochs, Christians, Kurds, Sufis and Sunni Muslims.\n\nIn relation to Iran's Baha'i community, Dr. Shaheed reports that its members have \"historically suffered multifaceted discrimination, including denial of jobs, pensions and educational opportunities, as well as confiscation and destruction of property.\"\n\nAt least 100 Baha'is, including seven community leaders are currently imprisoned in the Islamic Republic, says the report.\n\n\"The majority of those detained allegedly face national security-related charges and have undergone judicial proceedings that lacked due process and fair trial standards,\" Dr. Shaheed writes.\n\nIn conclusion, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes his desire for constructive dialogue with the Iranian Government, the international community and civil society.\n\n\"We welcome Dr. Shaheed's call upon the Iranian government to engage more closely with the international community in strengthening human rights safeguards for its citizens,\" said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations in New York.\n\n\"It is within Iran's power to create a culture of tolerance that prevents discrimination against women, religious and ethnic minorities, and protects their freedoms to associate and express themselves freely,\" she said.\n\n\"The ball is now in Iran's court. We urge them to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur, who must be allowed to fulfil the mandate given to him by the United Nations Human Rights Council.\"\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Report which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, profiles of imprisoned educators, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Special Rapporteur's report)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/859_Special_Rapporteur_report.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 98KB) ","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Iran and the United Nations"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":858,"relatedStoryCaption":"For the fourth consecutive year, Ban Ki-moon, strongly criticizes Iran's record on human rights."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":813,"relatedStoryCaption":"Special investigator appointed to monitor Iran's compliance with human rights standards."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":803,"relatedStoryCaption":"UN General Assembly votes in favor of resolution expressing “deep concern\" at Iran's human rights violations."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":858,"evergreenUrl":"un-secretary-general-deeply-troubled-developments-iran","title":"UN Secretary General \"deeply troubled\" by developments in Iran","description":"For the fourth consecutive year, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has strongly criticized Iran's record on human rights, saying...","date":"2011-10-13","customDateline":false,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579914-banunphotomarkgarten.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579914-banunphotomarkgarten.jpg"},"imageDescription":"United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. In his fourth annual report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ban said he was \"deeply troubled\" at recent developments in Iran and registered \"serious concern\" at the restrictions on unrecognized religious minorities, particularly the Baha'i community. UN Photo/Mark Garten.","imageStyle":"canvas-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"For the fourth consecutive year, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has strongly criticized Iran's record on human rights, saying violations have \"continued and intensified\" over the last 12 months.\n\nIran has stepped up its crackdown on human rights defenders, women's rights activists and journalists, Mr. Ban said in a report released yesterday.\n\n[Read the Secretary General's report](http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/858_Secretary_General_Report.pdf)\n\nThe Secretary General said he was \"deeply troubled\" by recent developments, which included a \"notable increase\" in the country's use of the death penalty, along with a rise in unfair trials, amputations, and the use of torture, arbitrary arrest and detention.\n\nMr. Ban called on the Iranian government to respect the rights of all its citizens – but noted especially the \"important and constructive role the human rights lawyers and activists play in protecting human rights,\" encouraging  Iran to \"fully guarantee freedom of expression and assembly and to open up greater space for their independent work.\"\n\nRestrictions on \"unrecognized religious minorities,\" were also highlighted in the report with \"serious concern\" being expressed, particularly at the ongoing persecution of Iran's Baha'i community.\n\nIranian Baha'is face limits on access to higher education, Mr. Ban said, noting that this form of discrimination culminated this year in a government effort to shut down the informal initiative to educate young members of the Baha'i community barred from university.\n\n\"According to numerous reports, on 21 May 2011, security forces conducted raids on the homes of individuals involved in the activities of the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education and arrested 15 of its members in various cities, including Gohardasht, Isfahan, Karaj, Sari, Shiraz, Tehran and Zahedan...\" he said.\n\nMr. Ban also discussed the fate of seven national Baha'i leaders, arrested in 2008 and sentenced to some 20 years imprisonment in 2010 – noting that their excessive sentence was upheld earlier this year.\n\n\"The High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised this case several times in letters to and meetings with the Iranian authorities, expressing deep concern that these trials did not meet the requirements of due process and fair trial,\" he said.\n\nBani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, welcomed the report and its conclusions.\n\n\"Taken as a whole, Mr. Ban's report has once again indicted the current Iranian regime, documenting the government's wide-ranging effort to silence the growing demands of its citizenry for justice, democracy, and transparency.\n\n\"Baha'is have long suffered from the Islamic Republic's ongoing and ever-increasing inability to tolerate any viewpoint or opinion that falls outside the official script. Mr. Ban's report clearly documents the degree to which so many others – from women to journalists to lawyers – are also bearing the brunt of this oppression.\n\n\"The report also outlines Iran's refusal to cooperate with UN special rapporteurs, who have since 2005 been denied permission to visit Iran so that they can investigate the situation there.\n\n\"We hope the international community will duly take note and continue its effort to see that Iran ends the unjust persecution of its own citizens,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Report which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links. *\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community. *\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran. *\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world. *"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"The situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Secretary General's report)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/858_Secretary_General_Report.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 98KB) ","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related stories"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":857,"relatedStoryCaption":"More than 40 academics join condemnation of Iran's action."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":853,"relatedStoryCaption":"Student who ranked among the top 1% of candidates barred from university."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":852,"relatedStoryCaption":"Nobel laureates criticize Iranian government in open letter."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":857,"evergreenUrl":"philosophers-theologians-worldwide-condemn-irans-attack-bahai-educators","title":"Philosophers and theologians worldwide condemn Iran's attack on Baha'i educators","description":"More than 40 distinguished philosophers and theologians from 16 countries have joined the condemnation of Iran's policy to bar young Baha'is...","date":"2011-10-10","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579899-85700.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579899-85700.jpg"},"imageDescription":"43 distinguished philosophers and theologians have signed an open letter protesting against Iran's persecution of Baha'i educators and students. Among them are such prominent figures as: (top row, left to right) Cornel West, Princeton, U.S.A.; Graham Ward, Oxford, U.K.; Charles Taylor, McGill, Canada; Leonardo Boff, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (bottom row, left to right) Ebrahim Moosa, Duke, U.S.A.; Hilary Putnam, Harvard, U.S.A.; Stanley Hauerwas, Duke, U.S.A.; and Tahir Mahmood, former member, Law Commission, India.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"More than 40 distinguished philosophers and theologians from 16 countries have joined the condemnation of Iran's policy to bar young Baha'is and others from higher education.\n\nIn an unprecedented global initiative, the 43 prominent academics – of Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim backgrounds – have signed an open letter, published today in (*The Daily Telegraph*)[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8816662/Religious-academics-denounce-persecution-against-Irans-Bahai-minority.html] (UK), and reported in the (*Folha de Sao Paulo*)[http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mundo/987523-leonardo-boff-assina-carta-aberta-em-favor-dos-bahais-no-ira.shtml] (Brazil). \n\n\nThe letter condemns in particular recent attacks by the Iranian authorities on an informal educational initiative of the Baha'i community – known as the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) – in which Baha'i professors, debarred by the Iranian government from practicing their professions, voluntarily offer their services to teach young community members who are banned from higher education.\n\nSeven Baha'is associated with BIHE recently made their first court appearances after being imprisoned for four months. They were detained after a series of raids on 22 May, in which 39 homes associated with BIHE were targeted. The Institute's activities have since been declared \"illegal.\"\n\n\"As philosophers, theologians, and scholars of religion, living throughout the world, we are raising our voices in protest against the recent attack by Iranian authorities on the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education,\" the open letter states.\n\n\"To acquire knowledge and learning is the sacred and legal right of all; indeed, the state is obliged to provide it. In Iran, the government has done the opposite...\"\n\n\"Attacks such as these, against the rights of citizens to organize and be educated in freedom, can no longer be tolerated. We call upon the Iranian government not only to cease its persecution of Baha'is, but to provide, and promote, education for all.\"\n\nAmong the most celebrated academics backing the call is Dr. Charles Taylor, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at McGill University, Canada. He signed the letter, he said, out of his deep sense of \"conviction that there ought to be 'no compulsion' in religion.\"\n\nIt is also \"connected to my disquiet about the Iranian revolution,\" said Professor Taylor, \"and the way its finer ideals have been hijacked by people who are abusing their faith in order to make it serve as a tool of mobilization against the 'enemy.'\"\n\nAnother prominent figure to add his name to the list is Hilary Putnam, Cogan University Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Harvard, U.S.A.\n\n\"Ever since the American and French revolutions at the end of the eighteenth century, the aspiration of peoples of different ethnicities, nationalities, and creeds for their fundamental human rights, including the right to worship as one's conscience dictates and the right to education, have gained momentum,\" said Professor Putnam.\n\n\"The persecution of the Baha'i university students in Iran is a shameful attempt to turn the clock back to the dark ages. Their cause deserves the support of enlightened and moral people everywhere,\" he said.\n\n**Signatories**\n\n**Charles Taylor** – Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, McGill University, Canada\n\n**Hilary Putnam** – Cogan University Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Harvard University, U.S.A.\n\n**Cornel West** – Class of 1943 University Professor of African American Studies, Princeton University, U.S.A.\n\n**Leonardo Boff**  – Professor Emeritus of Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, and Ecology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil\n\n**Stanley Hauerwas**  – Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke University, U.S.A.\n\n**Ebrahim Moosa**  – Professor of Religion & Islamic Studies, Duke University, U.S.A.\n\n**Graham Ward**  – Regius Professor of Divinity, Oxford University, U.K.\n\n**John Milbank**  – Professor in Religion, Politics and Ethics, University of Nottingham, U.K.\n\n**Rabbi David Novak**  – J. Richard and Dorothy Shiff Chair of Jewish Studies, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto, Canada\n\n**Tahir Mahmood**  – Chairman, Amity University Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, former member, National Minorities Commission and former member, Law Commission of India, New Delhi, India\n\n**Moshe Idel**  – Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel\n\n**Abdulkader Tayob**  – Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa\n\n**Xinjian Shang**  – Professor of Philosophy, Peking University, China\n\n**William Desmond**  – Full Professor of Philosophy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Adjunct Honorary Professor of Philosophy, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Ireland\n\n**Kevin Hart**  – Edwin B Kyle, Prof of Christian Studies and Chair of Religious Studies, University of Virginia, U.S.A.; Professor Of Philosophy, Australia Catholic University, Australia\n\n**Murray Rae**  – Professor of Theology and Head of the Department of Theology and Religion, University of Otago, New Zealand\n\n**Asghar Ali Engineer**  – Founding Chairman of Asian Muslim Action Network; Head of Center for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, India\n\n**Remi Brague**  – Chair of the Study of Religion, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany\n\n**A. Rashied Omar**  – Research Scholar of Islamic Studies and Peacebuilding, University of Notre Dame, U.S.A.; Imam at Claremont Main Road Mosque, Cape Town, South Africa\n\n**Joshua Cho**  – President and Professor of Christian Thought, Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, Hong Kong\n\n**Douglas Pratt** – Professor of Religious Studies, Waikato University, New Zealand\n\n**Ashok Vohra** – Professor of Philosophy, Delhi University, India; Indian Council of Philosophical Research\n\n**Carver Yu** – President and Professor of Christian Thought, China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong\n\n**Laurie Zoloth** – Professor of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Professor of Religious Studies, Northwestern University, U.S.A.\n\n**Pilgrim W.K. LO** – Professor of Systematic Theology, Chairman of Institute for Luther Studies in the Asian Context, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong\n\n**Philip Goodchild** – Professor of Religion and Philosophy, University of Nottingham, U.K.\n\n**Paul Morris** – Professor of Religious Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand\n\n**James E. Faulconer** – Richard L. Evans Chair of Religious Understanding, Brigham Young University, U.S.A.\n\n**Rod Benson** – Ethicist and Public Theologian, Tinsley Institute, Morling College, Australia\n\n**Hassan Mwakimako** – Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Pwani University College, Kenya\n\n**Yunus Dumbe** – Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Islamic University College, Ghana\n\n**Joseph Cohen** – University Lecturer in Philosophy, University College Dublin, Ireland\n\n**Adam Miller** – Professor of Philosophy, Collin College, Texas, U.S.A.\n\n**Elaine Wainwright** – Professor of Theology, University of Auckland, New Zealand\n\n**Raphael Zagury-Orly** – Head of the MFA Program, Bezalel School of Design and Fine Arts, Israel\n\n**Felix O Murchadha** – Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland\n\n**Na'eem Jeenah** – Associate Lecturer of Political Studies, University of the Witwatersrand; Coordinator of Masjidul Islam in Johannesburg, South Africa\n\n**Kathleen Flake** – Associate Professor of American Religious History, Vanderbilt Divinity School, U.S.A.\n\n**Rabbi Aryeh Cohen** – Associate Professor of Rabbinic Literature, American Jewish University, U.S.A.\n\n**Jeffrey Bloechel** – Associate Professor of Philosophy, Boston College, U.S.A.\n\n**William Hackett** – Research Fellow and Lecturer in Philosophy, Australian Catholic University, Australia\n\n**Rabbi Akiba Lerner** – Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies, Santa Clara University, U.S.A.\n\n**Nathan Oman** – Assistant Professor of Law, William and Mary School of Law, U.S.A.\n\n**Baha'i World News Service coverage of the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran**\n\n*The Baha'i World News Service has published a Special Section which includes further articles and background information about [Iran's campaign to deny higher education to Baha'is](/human-rights/iran/education-special-report/). It contains news of latest developments, a summary of the situation, feature articles, case studies and testimonials from students, resources and links.*\n\n*Another Special Report offers articles and background information about the [seven Iranian Baha'i leaders](/human-rights/iran/yaran-special-report/) – their lives, their imprisonment, trial and sentencing – and the allegations made against them. It also offers further resources about the persecution of Iran's Baha'i community.*\n\n*The [International Reaction](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/international-reaction.html) page of the Baha'i World News service is regularly updated with responses from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and prominent individuals, to actions taken against the Baha'is of Iran.*\n\n*The [Media Reports](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/media-reports.html) page presents a digest of media coverage from around the world.*"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Open Letter"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(English)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/857_philosophers_letter_en.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 93KB) ","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedPdfRecord","relatedPdfText":"(Persian)[http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/857_philosophers_letter_fa.pdf] (Adobe Acrobat 113KB) ","relatedPdfDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Further information"},{"__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":"[\"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":"[List of BWNS articles](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)","relatedLinkDescription":""},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Access to higher education in Iran"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":853,"relatedStoryCaption":"Student who ranked among the top 1% of university candidates barred for religious reasons."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":852,"relatedStoryCaption":"Nobel laureates criticize Iranian government in open letter."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":848,"relatedStoryCaption":"\"Unjust and oppressive practices\" must stop."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"defence"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":856,"evergreenUrl":"iconic-lotus-temple-focus-worldwide-campaign","title":"Iconic \"Lotus Temple\" focus of worldwide campaign","description":"Step onto a bus in Ottawa, Canada; open a magazine in Paris, France; or look upwards at Rimini's railway station in Italy – all around the world,...","date":"2011-10-06","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW DELHI","country":"INDIA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579883-85600.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579883-85600.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A poster of the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi depicted on the side of a bus in Ottawa, Canada, as part of the Indian government's global \"Incredible India\" campaign.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Step onto a bus in Ottawa, Canada; open a magazine in Paris, France; or look upwards at Rimini's railway station in Italy – all around the world, India's Baha'i House of Worship is capturing the public's attention.\n\nTo coincide with its 25th anniversary year, the lotus-shaped temple is being depicted on striking posters in 14 countries from South Africa to Japan, from the U.S.A. to Singapore.\n\nIt is all part of the *Incredible India* campaign, the Indian government's international strategy to showcase the cultural diversity and special achievements of the country.\n\n\"India represents the spirituality of all mankind,\" said the Honorable Union Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai, \"and the Baha'i temple is the one place where people belonging to any faith or religion can go for meditation or prayer.\"\n\nThe Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi opened in December 1986 after more than six years of construction. It is estimated that 70 million people have visited the temple since its opening – averaging 8,000 to 10,000 every day – making it one of the world's most visited buildings.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"This is a unique place to be visited,\" said Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism. \"It has world-class architecture, serene surroundings and an elevating atmospere.\"\n\nThe temple is one of only seven Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world, open to all people for silent worship and contemplation.\n\nThis message of inclusiveness is also a feature of the *Incredible India* campaign, said Naznene Rowhani, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India.\n\n\"Everybody who sees these posters will know that it is a temple, but more importantly, also what it stands for and symbolizes. These posters proclaim it to be the 'Baha'i House of Worship – India's symbol of communal harmony,' or 'India's symbol of the oneness of humankind,' or of 'unity of religions,'\" said Ms. Rowhani.\n\n**A message of peace**\n\nImmediately following the Incredible India initiative, the image of the temple will also be appearing as part of another campaign in Delhi itself. The *Delhi Meri Jaan* (\"My Beloved Delhi\") initiative was launched last year.\n\n\"We commemorate 25 years of the temple and 100 years of the existence of the modern Delhi that we have today. It's a great coincidence.\" explained Shelia Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi.\n\n\"This is a beautiful building. It has become an iconic symbol.\"\n\nThe appeal of the temple is that it \"encompasses everybody,\" the Chief Minister added.\n\n\"The Baha'i Faith is a very attractive faith. The message it gives to mankind is one of peace, prosperity and happiness...\" she says.\n\nAround 4,000 visitors from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the 25th anniversary celebrations at the House of Worship next month.\n\n\"As these poster campaigns clearly show, the temple belongs to everybody – every religion, creed and people,\" said Naznene Rowhani, \"so it is natural that the celebration of its 25th anniversary will also be inclusive of everybody.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579883-85601.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The Indian government's \"Incredible India\" campaign is showcasing Delhi's Baha'i House of Worship in 14 countries, alongside captions describing what the temple represents. Pictured here are, left, a poster for a travel exposition in Milan, Italy; top right, a billboard in Las Vegas, U.S.A.; and bottom right, street signs in New Delhi itself."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579883-85602.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Passengers arriving at New Delhi's international airport now encounter the image of the Baha'i House of Worship, \"India's symbol of communal harmony,\" as they await their baggage."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Baha'i Houses of Worship around the world"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":851,"relatedStoryCaption":"On the fiftieth anniversary of Sydney's Baha'i House of Worship, dignitaries pay tribute to its contribution to the life of the community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":806,"relatedStoryCaption":"Chief Justice praises Baha'i temple's role in Ugandan society."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":800,"relatedStoryCaption":"Ground work begins in Santiago for new Baha'i House of Worship."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[{"tagName":"houses_of_worship"}],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":855,"evergreenUrl":"bahai-international-community-calls-release-christian-pastor-facing-death-sentence","title":"Baha'i International Community calls for release of Christian pastor facing death sentence","description":"The Baha'i International Community has joined the call for the release of Youcef Nadarkhani, a Christian pastor from Rasht, Iran. Pastor Nadarkhani,...","date":"2011-10-04","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579864-85500.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579864-85500.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, left, pictured with his wife, Fatemah, and their two young sons. Photo credit: Christian Solidarity Worldwide.","imageStyle":"large-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The Baha'i International Community has joined the call for the release of Youcef Nadarkhani, a Christian pastor from Rasht, Iran.\n\nPastor Nadarkhani, who is the father of two young children, leads a network of house churches. He was found guilty of apostasy – \"turning his back on Islam\" – and \"converting Muslims to Christianity,\" and sentenced to death in September 2010.\n\nIran's Supreme Court recently asked for a re-examination of the case to establish whether or not he had been a practising Muslim adult before he converted to Christianity. The court ruled he was not but, nevertheless, is still guilty of apostasy because he has Muslim ancestry.\n\nThe case has sparked strong condemnation from governments, organizations and religious leaders around the world.\n\nThen on 1 October, following this global outcry, Iranian state media suddenly reported that Pastor Nadarkhani had in fact been sentenced for other reasons – including violent crimes, extortion, Zionism and being a traitor. These charges had never once been mentioned throughout the entire period when Pastor Nadarkhani was charged, tried, sentenced, up to and including the most recent court hearing.\n\n**Statement of the Baha'i International Community**\n\nWe join with the global chorus of condemnation protesting the sentencing of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, and calling for his release.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"For a court of law to rule against someone from Muslim ancestry who has freely chosen to be a Christian is yet another instance of the brutality being meted out by the Iranian authorities on their own people.\n\nThe recent public proclamation reporting that the charges against Pastor Nadarkhani have been changed – as a result of the global outcry at his conviction – only further exposes the arbitrary nature of decisions made by the judiciary system of Iran and the transparent injustice of the situation.\n\nThe sentence he faces is not only reprehensible; it is a violation of every legal, moral, spiritual and humanitarian standard.\n\nWhich temporal government in the world can reasonably decide it has the power to curtail freedom of belief?  Belief is not something that can be taken away or bartered; it is a matter of conviction, of the heart, the mind and the soul, beyond the realm of any government's control.\n\nThe Baha'i community understands well the challenging circumstances facing minorities living in Iran today.  And now it is evident that those minorities which are nominally recognized by the state are as equally subordinate to the majority as those who have no rights.\n\nThere is little need to rehearse here the endless list of executions, torture, imprisonments, privations and other afflictions that are being meted out on the sorely-tried people of Iran.\n\nEverything that country's representatives profess on the world stage is contradicted by their treatment of their own people at home.  Yet, its officials travel freely to other nations where they are offered a platform from which to broadcast their untruths, denying the callous treatment of their own citizens while displaying pretensions of good will for the people of the world.\n\nThere is much to be done to alert the people of the world to the hypocrisy of a government which is widely and continually oppressing its people.\n\nThere is much to be done for humanity to be alerted to what is going on inside Iran and to be awakened to the appalling memory of what can occur when we fail to act against state-sponsored campaigns of hatred."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543579864-85501.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, pictured with his younger son. Photo credit: Christian Solidarity Worldwide."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedFieldHeaderRecord","relatedHeaderText":"Recent Iran-related articles"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":853,"relatedStoryCaption":"A young Iranian Baha'i is blocked from ever getting a university degree."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":852,"relatedStoryCaption":"Two Nobel Peace Prize winners sharply criticize the Iranian government in an open letter to the academic community."},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_RelatedArticleRecord","storyNumber":849,"relatedStoryCaption":"Concern for Abdolfattah Soltani – a senior member of the legal team representing detained Baha'i educators - who has been imprisoned."}],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null}],"lang":"en","language":"en","location":"/archive/46/"}},"staticQueryHashes":["2762707590"]}