HRC43: Oral statement during ID with Special Rapporteur on Iran

Agenda Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Madame President,

CSW wishes to thank the Special Rapporteur for his ongoing work and latest report.

We remain concerned by the ongoing crackdown on freedom of religion or belief in Iran, which particularly targets converts to Christianity and members of the Baha’i community.

Christians across the country have continued to be arrested, subjected to exorbitant bail and handed excessive sentences on spurious national security related charges as the Iranian government effectively criminalises a faith it claims to recognise.

We are deeply concerned that Pastor Matthias Haghnejad and eight members of the Church of Iran denomination have been sentenced to five years in prison on such charges. Throughout their case due process was not observed, evidenced by short trials presided over by judges notorious for miscarriages of justice.

Their case is emblematic of the mistreatment of Christians and other religious minorities within the judicial process.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of these nine men, and all who are detained on account of their religion or belief.

CSW is also concerned by the targeting of the children of religious minorities, particularly in educational settings.

In September 2019 Yoel Nadarkhani, the fifteen year-old son of imprisoned pastor, Yousef Nadarkhani, was informed he could not return to school because he had not completed Islamic studies.

Reports also continue to emerge of Baha’i children experiencing exclusion, harassment and abuse, and being expelled from universities upon discovery of their faith.

We call on Iran to ensure that children from minority faith communities can access education without fear of discrimination, abuse, harassment or expulsion.

Thank you.