PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Iran (26 September 2014)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will make recommendations to the UN Universal Periodic Review of the human rights record of Iran to encourage that state to cease its policies of persecution of members of the Bahá’í community; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Bob Blackman (Conservative)

The UK will fully engage in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Iran’s human rights record, which is due to be considered by the Human Rights Council on 31 October 2014. As at the last UPR, the UK will make a statement and table recommendations on how Iran could improve its approach to human rights. This will include minority religious rights - the UK has repeatedly expressed concern at the persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran, and we will continue to encourage Iran to ensure all its citizens are able to exercise their right to freedom of religion, free from persecution and harassment.

Answered by:
Mr Tobias Ellwood (Conservative)
16 October 2014