B3-1050 and 1103/93

Resolution on the denial of human rights to the Baha'i community by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The European Parliament,

A.concerned at the persecution of the Baha'i faith in Iran,

B.referring to Mr Pohl's report to the UN Commission on Human Rights, which includes extracts from a letter sent by the Secretary of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council in Iran to the Ayatollah Khamenei,

C.whereas that letter sets out the intention of the Iranian Government to victimize the Baha'i community by denying its members access to education and employment,

D.mindful of the inclusion in that letter of the statement: 'A plan must be devised to confront and destroy their cultural roots outside the country',

E.drawing attention to the confiscation of Baha'i properties in Yazd, Saysan and Ilkhichi,

1.Condemns any oppressive measures taken by the Iranian Government against the Baha'i community in Iran;

2.Considers that the Iranian Government's plan to confront and destroy the cultural roots of the Baha'i faith outside Iran poses a threat to human rights and personal security;

3.Calls on the Iranian Government to ensure that such actions will cease immediately;

4.Requests that the European Community should continue vigorously to support the rights of the Baha'is to practise their religious beliefs without fear of persecution or execution whether in Iran or outside;

5.Calls on the Council to warn the Iranian authorities that attempts to 'confront and destroy the cultural roots' of the Baha'i faith outside Iran will prevent any improvement in relations between Iran and the Community;

6.Asks the Commission to raise this issue directly in its contacts with the Iranian authorities to ensure that they are fully aware of the international support for the Baha'i community;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, Council, the governments of the Member States and to the Government of Iran.