UN human rights experts urge Iran to protect Baha'i cemetery
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 September 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN human rights experts urge Iran to protect Baha'i cemetery, 4 September 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/542ac70615.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 04, 2014
By RFE/RL
Three UN experts on human rights in Iran, freedom of religion, and minority issues have urged the government of Iran to stop the destruction of a Baha'i cemetery by Revolutionary Guards.
The Revolutionary Guards are reported to have put up signs detailing plans to build a cultural and sports center on the site of the Baha'i cemetery in Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province. Remains that were disinterred during initial excavations in April are said to have been placed in a nearby trench.
Heiner Bielefeldt, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion, said in a statement on September 4 that "attacks on cemeteries are unacceptable" and a "deliberate violation" of religious freedom.
The Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak, urged the government to take concrete steps to protect Baha'i and other religious minorities in Iran.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
