Bahá’í World/Volume 12/The Bahá’í Faith and the United Nations

The Bahá’í World
Volume 12

6. THE Bahá’í FAITH AND THE

UNITED NATIONS

BAHA’I RELATIONSHIP WITH UNITED NATIONS

IN THE spring of 1947 the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada was accredited to United Nations as a national non-governmental organization qualified to be represented at United Nations Conferences through an observer.

A year later the eight National Spiritual Assemblies then existing were recognized collectively as an international non-governmental organization under the title of “The Bahá’í International Community.” These eight Assemblies were those of North America; the British Isles; Germany and Austria; Egypt and Sfidan; ‘Iráq; Iran (Persia); India, Pakistan and Burma; and Australia and New Zealand. To these eight bodies have since been added the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Canada, of Central America and of South America. Each National Spiritual Assembly in its application established the National Assembly of the United States as its representative in relation to United Nations.

A significant action was taken in July, 1947, when the United Nations Special Committee in Palestine addressed a letter to Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, as Head of the Bahá’í Faith resident in the Bahá’í World Center at Haifa, requesting an expression of the Bahá’í attitude on the future of Palestine. In his reply, Shoghi Effendi made it clear that “Our aim is the establishment of universal peace in the world and our desire to see justice prevail in every domain of human society, including the domain of politics.” The Guardian also pointed out his concern that “the fact be recognized by whoever exercises sovereignty over Haifa and ‘Akká, that within this area exists the spiritual and administrative center of a world Faith, and that the independence of that Faith, its right to manage its international affairs from this source, the rights of Bahá’ís from any and every country of the globe to visit it as pilgrims (enjoying the same privilege in this respect as Jews, Muslims and Christians do in regard to visiting

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Jerusalem) be acknowledged and permanently safeguarded.”

With this communication the Guardian enclosed a summary of the history and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith which the Bahá’ís of the United States reprinted and distributed widely.

In addition to participation in a number of United Nations regional and International conferences, four Bahá’í documents have been formally submitted: “A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights,” 1947; “A Bahá’í Statement on the Rights of Women,” 1947; and “The Work of Bahá’ís in Promotion of Human Rights,” 1948. On November 9, 1949, a letter was addressed to United Nations explaining the Bahá’í concept of worship, in connection with the effort of United Nations to formulate a method of worship acceptable for use in its future prayer building.

On May 9, 1947, the Guardian wrote through his secretary to explain why he was encouraging Bahá’í association with United Nations: “He feels that the friends should bear in mind that the primary reason that he is encouraging Bahá’í association with the United Nations is to give the Cause due publicity as an agency working for and firmly believing in the unification of the human family and permanent peace, and not because he believes that we are at present in a position to shape or influence directly the course of human affairs! Also, he believes this association will afford the believers an opportunity of contacting prominent and progressive-minded people from different countries and calling the Faith and its principles to their attention. We should associate ourselves in every way with all movements of UN which are in accordance with our principles and objectives; but we should not seek to take the initiative or . . . focus a glare of publicity and public attention on a very wide scale upon ourselves which might prove very detrimental to our own interests. He considered, for instance, the ‘Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obliga [Page 598]598

tions and Rights’ appropriate and believes this type of action to be wise and suitable.”

Other references in words of the Guardian include the following. From cablegram dated April 16, 1948, addressed to the National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States: “Recognition extended to the Faith by United Nations as an international non-governmental body, enabling appointment of accredited representatives to United Nations conferences is heralding world recognition for a universal proclamation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.” From cable of April 26, 1948, a passage included recognition by United Nations as one of the achievements of the American Bahá’í Community, “whose spokesmen are securing recognition of the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s rising world order in the United Nations.” From letter dated May 18, 1948: “The recognition given your Assembly (as representative of the other National Spiritual Assemblies) by UNO as a non-governmental body entitled to send representatives to various UNO conferences marks an important step forward in the struggle of our beloved Faith to receive in the eyes of the world its just due, and be recognized as an independent World Religion. Indeed, this step should have a favorable reaction on the progress of the Cause everywhere, especially in those parts of the world were it is still persecuted, belittled, or scorned, particularly in the East.”

All Non-Governmental Organizations make contact with United Nations through its Department of Public Information, section for Non-Governmental Organizations.

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The status of the non-governmental organization has been defined by the Section for Non-Governmental Organizations in a letter written to the Bahá’í United Nations Committee:

“The Department of Public Information does not accredit organizations, but accredits the person nominated by an organization as an observer. This system is similar to the accreditization of newspaper correspondents, which does not give accreditization to the paper, but to the man. Of course, the accreditization of the observer or the correspondent is dependent upon the standing of the organization or paper. This may seem a fine line, but it is specifically designed to avoid the impression that we give status to organization as such. The only way in which an organization can receive status from the United Nations is through having been granted consultative status by the Economic and Social Council.”

This definition of the Bahá’í relationship to United Nations is important. In referring to that relationship in public talks or publicity, the correct statement to make is: Bahá’í observers are accredited from the Bahá’í International Community (or from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States if reference to the national non-governmental organization is intended).

In 1947 a United Nations Committee was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, and Bahá’í relations with United Nations have been channeled through that committee.

UNITED NATIONS INFORMED OF THE BAHA’T CONCEPT OF WORSHIP

THE letter addressed by the Bahá’í International Community to the SecretaryGeneral of United Nations on November 9, 1949, concerning the Bahá’í concept of worship presented the following statement:

Mr. Trygve Lie, Secretary-General United Nations Lake Success, New York

Dear Mr. Secretary—General:

The members of the Bahá’í International Community have a patticular interest in the

development by United Nations of a prayer building or center designed to promote the spiritual unity of its representatives and delegates.

Since our community has brought together in one religious fellowship at worldwide body of believers, the question of a common worship reconciling the traditional views and practices of men and women in ninety—four countries, representing more than thirty races, and possessing backgrounds reflecting the influences of all re [Page 599]THE BAHA’I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 599

Prayer Card, issued with compliments of the United Nations Committee of the Bahá’í International Community, 225 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, New York.

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vealed faiths, has been for Bahá’ís a matter of supreme and vital importance.

The fact that for such a varied and diverse body the problem of common worship has been completely solved, and the universality of Bahá’í prayer and devotion demonstrated for many years, should make the Bahá’í practice interesting and significant to United Nations.

We therefore respectfully request that the following brief statement on Bahá’í prayer and worship be made available to those concerned with the creation of the prayer building and the conduct of prayer at United Nations sessions.

Fundamentally, the Bahá’ís fee] equal reverence for the founders of all revealed religions. The Bahá’í teachings recognize that all the Prophets are one in spirit, that all reveal God to mankind as successive manifestations of His will. Their revelation is continuous and progressive. On this foundation the Bahá’ís of East and West realize and accept the unity of all religions.

Congregational worship among the Bahá’ís consists of the reading of passages from all extant Holy Books, with no ritualistic device, no racial, denominational or nationalistic discrimination. This worship fosters reverence for all the Prophets of the past, cultivates spiritual unity among participants, and emphasizes the true aim of the religion of God as the unity of the human race.

To demonstrate this new concept the American Bahá’ís are completing their House of Worship on Lake Michigan, near Chicago, in the Village of Wilmette. Over each of its nine entrances is inscribed a text defining a particular approach to the spiritual reality common to mankind. These texts are: “The earth is but one country; and mankind its citizens.

“The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me.

“My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure.

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“Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.

“Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent.

“I have made death a messenger of joy to thee; wherefore dost thou grieve?

“Make mention of Me on My earth that in My heaven I may remember thee.

“0 rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My Trust.

“The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory.”

The following brief passage describes the type of public worship which will be conducted in this House of Worship when completed:

“The Bahá’í House of Worship is not one more religious edifice of denominational character. It has been built according to a new and higher pattern of worship, wherein persons of all races, nations and creeds may enter the unifying Spirit which emanates from the Word of God. Bahá’í worship includes no sermon, no physical drama, no man—conceived prayer, invocations or conventionalized response. The Manifestation of God, He alone, has utterance in this holy place.”

In the design of the exterior of the House of Worship is symbolized the equality of all revealed faiths through the use of characteristic religious motifs such as the Star of David, the Christian Cross, the ancient (true) Swastika.

With this statement we enclose a copy of an illustrated brochure which deals more fully with the design and function of the Bahá’í House of Worship. It is our hope that this solution of the serious problem of a common worship of the God of all mankind —the very heart of world order and peace —may be helpful to United Nations.

Faithfully yours, Bahá’í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY By: Horace Holley

Secretary

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REPORT OF BAHA’I ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

By MILDRED MOTTAHEDEH

THE following outline of Bahá’í participation in United Nations Conferences has been taken largely from material prepared by the United Nations Committee. Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh has been the accredited Bahá’í International Observer.

1947-1952

An International Conference of International Non-Governmem‘al Organizations was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 17-21, 1948. The Bahá’í delegates to this Conference were Ugo R. Giachery, Charles Mason Remey and Mildred R. Mottahedeh. It was the first appearance of the Bahá’í International Community working in conjunction with the other International Non—Governmental Organizations who had accredited Observers to United Nations. Following are brief excerpts from the Report made by the Bahá’í delegates:

“So far as we could ascertain our organization represented more countries than any other organizations there present. It was of course a very happy moment for us When different organizations got up and stated their qualifications for the three offices on the Interim Committee. We knew that we were not well known in the Congress and that the chances of our being elected were rather slim, however, we felt it advisable to take this opportunity to state our qualifications. This was done by Dr. Giachery who rose and said that the Bahá’í International Community represented ninety-one countries—nine National Assemblies—all races, all nationalities, all confessions and all ages.”

The Bahá’í delegation made many friends at this Conference and laid the groundwork for future relations with these delegates.

During 1948 the United Nations Committee made many friends at the United Nations Headquarters, Lake Success, and invited some of them to a series of fire—side meetings at which our beliefs and principles were explained.

In 1949 the Bahá’ís were invited to send delegates to the State Conference of Kansas

for Non-Governmental Organizations which was held at the University of Kansas. The delegates at this Conference were Paul Harris and Bertha H. Campbell. Mrs. Sarah Harris was an observer. The assistance and remarks of our delegates were warmly appreciated, as we heard from some of the officials at the Conference.

In 1949 the Third International Conference of International Non-Governmental Organizations was held at Lake Success, N.Y., April 4-9. The noteworthy feature of this Conference was the unusual character of the Bahá’í delegation. The delegates were Hilda Yen Male, a Chinese, Amin Banani, a Persian, Matthew Bullock, an American Negro, Emeric Sala, a European by birth and now a Canadian citizen, and Mildred R. Mottahedeh, an American. This was the most international of all the delegations and represented five continents.

At this Conference 21 special Committee was set up by a resolution of the Conference to call National meetings of Non-Governmental Organizations in all the member countries of the United Nations. Mildred R. Mottahedeh was made a member of this Committee.

In 1949 the Bahá’í United Nations Committee decided to acquaint the official delegates to the General Assembly and the permanent delegates to the United Nations with the Bahá’í principles. A prayer was printed and sent to the delegates of the General Assembly Meeting at Lake Success and a warm acknowledgment was received from the Honorable Warren Austin, Chief of the United States Delegation to the United Nations. Copies of the Bahá’í leaflets on “Pattern for Future Society” and “Industrial Justice” were mailed all the permanent delegates of the United Nations.

On June 27-28, 1949, a European Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was called in Geneva, Switzerland, to which we sent Amin Banéni as a delegate. During this Conference, Mr. Banani had the opportunity to present the work which is being done by Bahá’í summer schools in the field of human rights.

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Regional Conference of United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations, Yildiz Palace, Istanbul, April 9-13, 1951.

A United Nations Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, held in Santiago, Chile, in October, 1949, afforded the first opportunity enjoyed by Latin American Bahá’ís to participate in United Nations activities.

From the report prepared by the Bahá’í delegate, it appears that the Bahá’ís of Chile had received a direct invitation to take part. The local Assemblies of Santiago, Valparaiso and Vifia del Mar each selected one representative. Mr. Hugo Arteagabeatia of Valparaiso served as delegate and Miss Ema Cabezas of Vifia del Mar and Mrs. Julia de Jiminez of Santiago as observers. These appointments were accepted by the Bahá’í International Community and reported to the United Nations Department of Public Information through the Bahá’í United Nations Committee.

To make their contribution as effective as possible, the Bahá’í representatives prepared papers on two items of the agenda, that concerning work of non-governmental organizations for United Nations through press, radio and visual material, and that concerning their work in the field of education.

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The Conference approved Bahai recommendations expressed in these papers, for example, on the need of establishing a more universal consciousness, and the need to eliminate prejudices rooted in the emotional, irrational nature, in order to make possible the attainment of United Nations aims.

Through this participation the ground was prepared for helpful permanent cooperation with United Nations on the part of Latin American Bahá’ís.

In October, 1949, a Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was held in Montevideo, Uruguay. The Bahá’í delegates at this Conference were Sefiora Carola Escofet and Sefior Acosta, Uruguay, Sefior Esteban Canales, Chile, Edmund Jt Miessler and Muriel Miessler, Brazil. Two of the recommendations offered by the Bahá’í delegates at this Conference were:

“(1) That there be established in each country, and if possible in each city a permanent office of the UNO in which all of the Non-Governmental Organizations would participate and collaborate. The Bahá’í International Community, which is represented in all countries, offers to collaborate

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Bahá’í Delegates to United Nations International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, held at Lake Success, New York, April 4-9, 1949. Left to right: Amin Banéni, Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Miss Hilda Yen, Matthew Bullock.

in this respect to assist in the great work of the UNO.

“(2) That the goals and objects of the UNO be given to children giving them a universal conscience through means of pietures, (telling the stories and adventures of the UNO) in magazines, etc., to prepare the new generations for this so necessary universal consciousness for the establishment of permanent peace and unity.”

In 1950 another State Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was held at the University of Kansas and three Bahá’í delegates were sent: Mr. and Mrs. L. Paul Harris and Mrs. Esther Klein Cochran.

The Fourth International Conference of International Non—Governmental Organizations was called in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 26-28, 1950. The following excerpts are taken from the report of the delegates:

“The conference was held at the Palais

des Nations and approximately two hundred delegates represented one hundred and three organizations. Only three organizations were represented by the full quota of five allowed to each organization and the Bahá’í International Community was among these three. The fact that we had a complete delegation enabled us to participate in the work of all five committees. The members of our delegation were Bishop Brown (United States), Ugo R. Giachery (Italy), Rafi Y. Mottahedeh (United States), Abbas Bagdadi (Switzerland), and Mildred R. Mottahedeh (Bahá’í International ' Observer). We elected Ugo R. Giachery as chairman and Mildred R. Mottahedeh as secretary of our delegation.

“A resolution was drawn up by our Bahá’í delegation and this resolution was adopted and presented to the plenary session where it was warmly received. It reads as follows: ‘In order to surmount the wave of pessimism which threatens the princi [Page 604]604

ples of the United Nations, the NGOs undertake to employ all their resources to create and intensify all over the world a moral atmosphere favourable to the acceptance of these principles]. .

“Committee 5 on Middle East and Africa: Abbas Bagdadi. This committee had met briefly and adjourned after hearing a report of the Iranian Association for the UN on their seminar on Teaching on the United Nations which had been given in Teheran this year. The report was given in French, which they do not understand, and was not translated into English as is customary in these conferences.

“The committee re-convened the next day and by this time Mrs. Mottahedeh had finished her work on the Asian committee and joined Abbas Bagdadi. She asked that Mrs. Taimurtash, the Vice Chairman (and daughter of the former Prime Minister of Iran) give the translation of the report in English. She did so and mentioned the successful activities of the United Nations Association of which the Shah is the Honorary President and told of the establishment of the Seminar. The goal of this organization is to serve the peace and various means were used to achieve its purpose, such as films, pamphlets, placards, lectures, radio, etc. Five countries were invited to attend the Seminar, among them India, Afghanistan and ‘Iráq, and various types of people were present. Mrs. Mottahedeh asked why the invitation had not been extended to the Bahá’ís who have a membership in Tran numbering approximately one million and constituting the largest minority there. Mrs. Taimurtash said that the invitation was extended through the radio and press and that, if the Bahá’ís were not present, it was not the fault of those in Charge. She further said that there are only three minorities in Iran: the Jews, the Zoroastrians, and the Christians (Armenians and Nestorians) and that Iran treats her minorities well and they are all represented in Parliament. ‘We do not consider the Bahá’ís a minority,’ she said, ‘but look upon them just as ourselves.’ Mrs. Mottahedeh responded that an invitation should have been sent to all UN NonGovernmental Organizations and again asked why the Bahá’ís were not invited. Mrs. Taimurtash said, ‘There are no Bahá’ís in Irén.’ Mrs. Mottahedeh offered to furnish her with the names of the chairman and the

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secretary and the address of the headquarters. Mrs. Taimurtash said that it was a pity this was a meeting of non-governmental organizations and she could not therefore give the official government attitude on the Bahá’ís.

“At this point the secretary, Mr. Lawrence of the World Assembly of Youth, asked about the Bahá’í organization and said he had never heard of it. Mrs. Taimurtash stated that the Bahá’í Faith was merely a sect of Islam, to which Mrs. Mottahedeh quickly responded, ‘I will not allow this statement to stand on the record,’ and proceeded to give a brief exposition of the Faith. She added that the principles of the Bahá’í Faith were more nearly identical with the principles of the UN than those of any other organization. The Chairman remarked that it seemed to him this was a private quarrel between two organizations, but Mrs. Mottahedeh assured him it was not, but was a matter of principle.

“At first the members of the committee were annoyed and impatient at what seemed to be a private quarrel but they soon began to grasp that there was more to the matter than appeared on the surface and the majority rushed to the support of the Bah”i delegation. When Mrs. Mottahedeh insisted on the resolution being put to a vote Mrs. Taimurtash grew angry and said the Iranian Government does not recognize the Bahá’ís and Mrs. Mottahedeh replied that it did not change the fact of their existence and that they had existed for nearly a century and added that the UN had recognized them as was witnessed by our participation in this conference.

“The discussion of this matter occupied over an hour. The Chairman said that the matter now seemed to him something other than a private difference and he thought the Baha [S were right. He su ggested strengthening the resolution even further to say that all non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN should be specifically invited to all national regional UN conferences. The Chairman’s amendment and our original resolution were accepted by a strong majority vote.

“When the problems of Africa were presented for discussion, Mr. Lawrence (a West African and the secretary of our committee) said that he was very sorry to report that in Africa the minorities are in a very bad state. He cited no examples in order not

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to touch upon political problems but wished only to mention that the minorities there are treated badly. He therefore is in full agreement with, and ready to support, the resolution of the Bahá’ís about discrimination.”

At these meetings our Bahá’í training shines out and enables us to win many friends.

“At the Geneva conference this training was deeply evident. Numerous people spoke to us of the outstanding work done by our delegation in each committee. The truth of the matter is that most of the constructive work that was done came from our delegation and this was widely acknowledged. The fact that we tried to be just, harmonious, constructive, non-political and showed a genuine appreciation of others’ efforts soon came to be recognized. We also were far better prepared in discussion and conference technique than the large majority of the delegates and this is, of course, due to our Bahá’í training in committee and convention work.”

In 1950 the Nobel Prize was conferred upon Dr. Ralph J. Bunche for the notable work he did in mediating the questions in Israel. On this occasion the Bahá’ís of Oslo presented him with a congratulatory telegram from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and received a very warm response from him. In 1950 Mr. William B. de Forge was appointed National Observer to the United Nations for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

In 1950 a Conference of International Non—Governmental Organizations interested in non-scholastic teaching about the United Nations met at Lake Success. Dr. David Ruhe represented the Bahá’í International Community.

The year 1951 was a particularly active one, in which four important Regional Conferences were called. The first of the series took place in Istanbul, Turkey, April 9-13, and the following are excerpts from the report of the delegates:

“The delegation was as follows: Mrs. Rafi Mottahedeh, International Bahá’í Delegate; Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh, Bahá’í Delegate of Iran; Mr. Kamil Abbas, of ‘Iráq; Mr. M0hamed Mustafa Soliman, of Egypt and Stidén; Mr. Mecdi Inan, of Turkey.

“The Bahá’í Delegation invited the following Bahá’ís to sit in and listen to the

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Conference, as Bahá’í observers: Mr. Sami Doktoroglu and Miss Ulgan Inan, of Turkey, and Mrs. Farakhou Samadea, of Iran.

“At 10:30 A.M., the session was opened by His Excellency, the Governor (Vali) of Istanbul. He welcomed the first Regional Non-Governmental Organizations Conference being held at Istanbul, and assured them of his best wishes for its success. Then Prof. Gokdogan of the Teknik University of Istanbul was elected Chairman, upon a suggestion made by Mr. Tewfik Khabil, delegate of the Arab Union of Egypt, and seconded by an Israelite delegate.

“Mr. R. Bokhari, the Director of the United Nations Department of Public Information Center of Cairo, Egypt, was elected Secretary. About Vice-Chairman, as there was no suggestion made, Mr. Mecdi Inan, the Bahá’í Delegate of Turkey, proposed that Mrs. Mottahedeh be the ViceChairman and it was seconded and she was consequently elected.

“Upon the opening of the first Committee’s session, Miss Sureyya Aga-Oglu, of the University Women’s League and a Turkish lawyer, asked the Chairman if some information would be given about the Bahá’í Community, as she did not know anything about it, while she could see that Community represented. Mr. R. Mottahedeh made a very short yet sound presentation of the Faith and its principles, and the statement was satisfactory. Bahá’í delegates took their actual part in the work of the two Committees and tried to display tact and discretion that attracted all minds and hearts to them. The tact was more striking when Mrs. Mottahedeh sincerely and thankfully declined when suggestions were made to have her elected either as the Chairman or the ViceChairman of Committee No. 2, drawing attention to the fact that the two officers should preferably be elected from among the delegations of the Regional countries.

“As the first session of the two Committees was over, delegates and observers of the Non-Governmental Organizations rushed to inquire about the Bahá’í Faith, and a good dissemination of pamphlets was made. In this circumstance, the Bahá’í delegates felt greatly indebted to the valuable contributions of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq for having supplied the delegation with a big quantity of pamphlets. As a matter of fact, the members of the Bahá’í delegation were occupied

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Bahá’í Representatives and Observers at United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Regional Conference for the Middle East, held in Istanbul, Turkey, April 9-13, 1951, with Dr. Faryar, Director of UN Information Center in Ṭihrán (extreme right). Photograph taken in front of the Yildiz Palace.

Left to right: Mecdi Inan, Bahá’í delegate from Turkey; Kamil Abbas, Bahá’í delegate from ‘Iráq; Sami Doktoroglu, Bahá’í observer from Turkey; Rafi Mottahedeh, Bahá’í representing Irén; Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Bahá’í International Community delegate and observer; Farakhou Samadea, observer from Irén; Mohamed Mustafa Soleiman, Bahá’í delegate from Egypt and Sfidén;

Dr. Faryar, Ṭihrán; Ulgan Inan, Bahá’í observer from Turkey.

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for the entire thirty-minute period with explaining facts about the Faith. It was not only during this period, but throughout the Conference that the Bahá’ís were steadily besieged by all the reporters of all the leading newspapers, for information about the Faith.

“On April 12, the delegation invited Mr. Daniel Auster, the delegate of the UN Association of Israel, who is also the Mayor of Jerusalem, to lunch at the Park Hotel. It was a very pleasant occasion and we were especially gratified to hear the many complimentary remarks about how much the Bahá’ís are contributing to the beauty of Israel, and the high ideals of the Bahá’ís. The Mayor was especially pleased at our inviting him, because of the tension created by the presence of both Jews and Arabs at this Conference. The Jews felt that they were more or less standing alone and were delighted to find Bahá’í delegates so friendly, especially since we had Arabs among us.

“To return to the report of the committee work, the resolutions were drafted on April 12 and it can honestly be said that the Bahá’ís contributed greatly to the work of these committees, which, in fact, would have produced little results without the Bahá’í delegates. They acted as a coordinating point between all factions and were able by useful resolutions, to assist the future work. In both committees, it could be said that the bulk of the resolutions were the result of Bahá’í suggestions.

“Generally, there was a wide publicity given to the Faith by the press, and Bahá’í delegates were frequently besieged by the reporters. For several days, all the UN Conference news items mentioned the Faith.

“The result was that finally Cumhuriyet (Republic), one of the leading papers in Turkey, wondered in its edition of April 13, as to such a comparatively small minority in the USA. playing a leading part in the Conference work. [Other papers which carried articles concerning Bahá’í participation in the Conference were Hiirriyet (April 9), Yem' Sabah (April 10), and La République (April 13).]

“We have no doubt that this publicity will have a resounding effect on the teaching work of the Turkish Bahá’í Community. Letters and telegrams of congratulations were received from the Turkish Bahá’ís out side of Istanbul—Gazi-Anteb and Adanaafter they had seen the favorable press.

“Of historic significance is the fact that the Bahá’í Delegation was ofl‘icially received at the reception given by the Governor of Istanbul for the assembled delegates. Also, that the Conference should have been held at the Palace of Sultan ‘Abdu’l—Hamid, the arch-enemy of the Faith; and the Faith mentioned so frequently at the Palace!

“It is also of significance that a National Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations of Turkey was called for a meeting by Prof. Gokdogan, the Chairman of the Conference. In that meeting, the Chairman announced that the Bahá’í Community of Turkey is officially recognized by the Department of Public Information of United Nations and it was actually listed among the Non—Governmental Organizations of Turkey, and invited to work with the other N.G.O.’s.”

The second of the series of Regional Conferences was held on the Island of Bali, in Den Passar, July 29 to August 3, 1951. Of the Bahá’í delegates appointed, Mr. Stanley Bolton, Jr., of Australia and New Zealand, Mr. B. Sohaili of Pakistan, and Capt. H. Buys of Indonesia were the only delegates able to attend. Mrs. Shirin Fozdar who was representing an Indian organization assisted the Bahá’í delegation greatly through the Conference. The following excerpts are from their report:

“During the course of the meeting, the Committee Was interviewed by a reporter from the leading newspaper, which resulted in an article about the Faith appearing in the July 24 issue of the publication A.I.D. This publicity was the first secured for the Faith in Indonesia. The reporter also wrote about the Faith for a news agency in Djakarta and it is possible that the story may have been picked up by other newspapers.

“It is certain that everyone concerned with the Conference has at least heard the word Bahá’í and a majority know a little of principles, history and aims of the Faith.

“It was felt that the Bahá’í delegates contributed much to the Conference; made valuable contacts with the Indonesian Officials present, and succeeded in carrying the Message to all those with whom we came in touch. We feel certain that the contributions of the Bahá’í delegation will lend

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weight not only to the activities of the Baha 1

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International Community, but also will stimulate Bahá’í activity here in Indonesia itself, which is at present one of the outposts of the Faith.”

The third of these Regional Conferences was held in Managua, Nicaragua, August 4—11, 1951. The delegatets were: Sra. Raquel Frangois de Constante, from Panama; Julio C. Hernandez, from Nicaragua; Artemus Lamb, from Costa Rica.

The following excerpts are from the report of the delegates to this Conference:

“Press Activities. Owing to the unexpected postponement of the Conference from the 4th to the 6th of August, the Delegation took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Directors of the two most liberal newspapers, La Flecha and La Noticia, as well as the directors of the newspapers of the Student Federation who are good friends of the Bahá’ís. As a result of these efforts news of the arrival of the Bahá’í Delegation appeared in the three papers, one with a photograph on the front page; unfortunately, only La Razon of the Student Federation published statements on the Teachings.

“The Delegation met every morning to pray. On the next day all went to their respective committees. Sra. Constante continued attracting attention, especially for being the only woman taking active part in the discussions. All the newspapers published accounts of the main events of the Conference and the name of the Bahá’í Delegation figured in almost all of them, although generally the names of known national figures were those that were played up visibly.

“Dr. Fusoni [Director of the UN Department of Public Information] lunched with the Delegation. He listened with deep interest t0 explanations of the Faith and asked many questions, stating that he had often heard of the Faith but knew practically nothing of it. He seemed deeply moved by our cooperation and promised to see the Bahá’ís in other places, such as Panama and Mexico.

“In this session Sra. Constante presented a number of recommendations which the Bahá’í Delegation had prepared for the better functioning of future conferences and which were well received. Also, the Teaching Committee approved the recommenda

,;

tion based upon the original Bahal recom THE BAHA'I WORLD

mendation in conjunction with the later ones.

“In the plenary session in the afternoon reports were given of the different agencies of the UN. Dr. Luis Gabuardi Of the Chamber of Commerce asked about the Faith, stating that he had been impressed by the manner in which the Bahá’í Delegation had

Representatives of the Bahá’í International Community at the Regional Conference of Non—Governmental Organizations of United Nations held in Managua, Nicaragua, August 4-11, 1951.

Left to right: Artemus Lamb (Costa Rica), Sra. Raquel Frangois de Constante (Panama) and Julio C. Hernandez (Nicaragua).

acted and presented their recommendations as well as the universal and ‘complete’ manner which the Bahá’í Community had worked in other Conferences judging from the former reports. This is another proof of the necessity of always proceeding with care and wisdom, for what we are doing is building a permanent record of our capacity by which thousands of people are going to judge the Faith.

“During the final days many conversations were held with the leaders and most active delegates, about both the work of the United Nations and the Bahá’í Faith, and we believe that we could say in all truth that this Conference has opened a new stage of recognition and of prestige for the Faith in this territory.”

[Page 609]THE BAHA’I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS

On October 29—November 2, 1951, a Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was called in Paris and the Bahá’í International Community sent fourteen delegates from ten different countries:

J ean Deleuran, Tove Deleuran, Denmark; Dorothy Ferraby, John Ferraby, British Isles; Mme. Ferrand, France; Ugo R. Giachery, Italy; Louis Henuzet, Belgium; Li Hoffman, Holland; Anita Ioas, International Delegate; Claude Levy, Luxembourg; Ake Norgren, Sweden; Jean Sevin, France; Rita Van Sombeek, Holland; Gerd Strand, Norway. The following excerpt is taken from their report:

“The Bahá’í delegation is highly gratified to report that Ugo Giachery was nominated by the Department of Public Information for Chairman of Committee 111 on ‘Special Problems of United Nations Information in Europe,’ and was accepted by the delegates without dissent. As Chairman of one of the four Committees, he became ex officio a member of the Steering Committee for the Conference. As such, he was presented to the President of the French Republic, Monsieur Auriol, and also attended a lunch given by the Cercle de l’Americain Latin. This appointment was felt both to give publicity to the Faith and to enhance its prestige in the eyes of the delegates.”

Since the close of the Conference, we have received clippings of the publicity which the delegates received on their return to their native countries.

Bahá’í participation in these Conferences has brought certain facts to the attention of the delegates of the other Non-Governmental Organizations and to the section of Non-Governmental Organizations in the United Nations. Wherever a Conference is called, we usually have well—qualified native Bahá’ís to participate in them. This is most unusual, since many of even the largest of the Non-Governmental Organizations whose memberships run into the millions send delegates mostly from Western Europe and the United States. Our delegations have been a living proof of the wide spread of our world membership. Our delegates have also been conspicuous by the training they have received in consultation in their own community aflairs. They have been able to apply this training in a constructive way that has given real assistance to the progress of all these Conferences.

609

Without exception we have heard nothing but praise for the work that all Bahá’í delegates have done throughout the world.

The work of the Bahá’í United Nations Committee started very modestly but has grown to large proportions which have repercussions in all parts of the Bahá’í world. We are gradually winning respect in international circles for the principles of the Faith and the character of its followers.

1952-1954

During the two years 1952—1954 several conferences were held in different parts of the world with very interesting results.

The Fifth International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was held at the United Nations Headquarters, October 6-10, 1952. Our delegates were: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Mrs. Hilda Yen Male, Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Mr. Albert Rakovsky, Mr. Manuel Vera; our observers were Mr. William de Forge and Mrs. Hedda Rakovsky.

The Vice-Chairman of Working Committee No. 1 was our Bahá’í representative, Mrs. Hilda Yen Male. It is of interest to quote the following from the report of this Committee:

“Something for the Bahá’ís to look forward to is a world history, to be written from the world point of view, called ‘A Cultural and Scientific History of Mankind.’ This world history is to be in six volumes, to be written by an international group of eminent authorities on the subjects to be covered in this history. It is roughly estimated that this world history will be completed sometime between 1957 and 1962. On disclosing this item of information by Mr. Carnes, the Right Reverend Monsignor Donald A. Maclean, delegate from the World Federation of Catholic Universities, attacked the world history for omitting God. Mr. Carnes answered by quoting Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt when she answered attacks on the United Nations as follows: ‘The United Nations is doing the work of God without mentioning Him only.’ Miss Ruth F. Woodsmall, delegate from the International Alliance of Women, said that it depends upon the definition of the word ‘culture’ whether or not to include religion in defining culture. Mrs. Hilda Yen Male then attempted to strike a conciliatory note by saying that if the definition did not include religion in a cultural

[Page 610]610

and scientific history of mankind, the peoples of the world still needed a history book written from a world point of view impartially to help peoples to understand and appreciate one another’s cultures, instead of being written from a partial national point of view to perpetuate animosity of the peoples of the nations against one another; and if the definition should include religion, the Bahá’ís would welcome it all the more. The religious history of the world should start right from the beginning and follow through to the very latest religion, which is the Bahá’í World Faith, impartially and truthfully, without the feeling of ‘religious nationalism,’ for it would be discovered that all religions, stripped of their man-made dogma and creed, are one, because truth is One. J ust as there should be intemationalism in the political, economic, and social realm, so there should be ‘religious internationalism.‘ Therefore, the Bahá’í International Community wanted to express to Mr. Carries of UNESCO their endorsement of the writing of this Cultural and Scientific History of Mankind.”

The question of Human Rights was extensively discussed at this Committee also, and our delegate called attention to the tremendous amount of work yet to be done in this field. The Genocide Convention came within the scope of the discussion on Human Rights. Our delegate, Mrs. Male, drafted a recommendation, which was proposed and amended by Mr. Barnett Janner, M.P., delegate from the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, and it was adopted by majority vote.

The resolution reads as follows:

“In view of the lack of information and the misinformation on much of the work of the United Nations, especially the Convention on Genocide, it is recommended that international Non-Governmental Organizations urge their national branches to make further effort to make known as widely as possible the texts of United Nations Conventions, such as the Convention on Genocide and the Convention on Refugees, etc.”

In Working Committee No. 2, our delegate, Mr. Manuel Vera, who was the only Latin American delegate during most of the Conference, was able to be extremely useful in the discussion of technical assistance. He is working in the Point 4 Program in Peru. His remarks were received with much appreciation.

THE BAHA’I WORLD

Our delegate to Working Party No. 3 was Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh. It would be of general interest to note the following from her report:

“The Bahá’í delegate proposed the following recommendation: ‘Non-Governmental Organizations should try to plan some of their conferences in trust and non-self—governing territories.’ Our delegate gave the example of our J ubilee Conference which will be held in Kampala.

“The recommendation was amended to read as follows: ‘Non-Governmental Organizations should try to plan some of their conferences in trust and non-self-governing territories, being sure that there is a firm control of the conference in order not to have it used as a political spring-board.’ The recommendation was accepted more or less in this form. It is an interesting commentary that the amendment did not occur to the mind of the Bahá’í delegate making the original recommendation because Bahá’ís never have to concern themselves with political questions.”

The Bahá’í delegate on Working Party No. 4 was Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh. The following is quoted from his report:

“The Bahá’í delegate pointed out that one should not lose sight of the forest behind individual trees, and that it was not enough to promise people technical assistance or more food in order to win their support. What is needed is a statement of the ideology underlying the United Nations. A movement is strong only if its ideas and actions are in tune with the basic forces which shape history. There, it is necessary to demonstrate to the masses that the UN is an expression of such forces and not merely a political organization created by a number of states for their own special purposes.

“The statement of the Bahá’í delegate was warmly supported by Miss Lie (International Association of Business and Professional Women, Norway), Mr. McNeill, and Dr. Leitner. The Working Party expressed the desire that a section on ideology be included in its final report to the plenary sesSion.

“The Chairman of the Working Party, Dr. Leitner, asked the Bahá’í delegate to participate in the drafting of the report and to write the section on ideology. The Bahá’í delegate’s draft was unanimously approved at the last session of the Working Party and incorporated into the text of its final report.

[Page 611]THE

BAHA’I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 611

Bahá’í Delegates at the Fourth United Nations International Non-Governmental Organizations Conference, held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, June 26-28, 1950.

Right to left: Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Mrs. Bishop Brown (observer),

Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Rafi Mottahedeh, Abbas Bagdadi.

“This proposal was accepted and brought before the plenary session of the Conference.

“It can be said that the contribution of the Bahá’í delegates was positive in that it raised the whole discussion to a higher level, where it was possible to introduce some of the Bahá’í principles in a form acceptable to all."

From March 26-31, 1952, the UN Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was held in La Paz, Bolivia. Our delegates were Mr. Arturo Cuellar Echazu, Mrs. Yvonne de Cuellar, Mrs. Dorothy Campbell.

It would be interesting here to give some of the resolutions which our delegates presented at this conference:

“In order that humanity may arrive at a universal understanding, it is necessary to teach adults, as well as the new generations, how to develop a universal mind, and that

can be accomplished only by studying the spiritual life of each race, considering that its civilization and progress have been due to the grade of ethics generated by the great spiritual educators of each people. It is necessary to teach them to venerate and love each one of them equally so that no prejudice may exist among the peoples and that unity of conscience, which alone can bring success to the efforts of the great entity of the United Nations in freeing the world from the horrors of war, may be established. That all problems he considered with a universal, not a nationalistic outlook.”

It should be borne in mind that all these Bahá’í delegates who took part in these Conferences in various parts of the world were complete novices. Yet in every case their training in consultation in Bahá’í community life enabled them to take part in the discussions in such a way as to assist the purpose of the Conference. All were extremely care [Page 612]612

ful not to take any part in politics and their impartial attitude has been noticed at all of these Conferences.

In April, 1952, a Conference of NonGovernmental Organizations was held in Quito, Ecuador. Our delegates were Mrs. Roxana Gallegos and Mr. Hernan Pasquel. Our delegates had numerous opportunities to make constructive contributions during the meetings of the Working Committees and the resolutions which they presented were approved during the final plenary session. Through this Conference many Latin Americans interested in international affairs, became acquainted with the principles of the Bahá’í Faith.

Here it would be appropriate to say that we have heard from United Nations personnel that ours has been one of the very few

THE BAHA’I WORLD

international Non-Governmental Organizations that have been able to send delegates who were native to the region where the Conference was being held. The person at the UN immediately in charge of these Conferences, said “The Bahá’ís have been present at all the Latin American Conferences and have usually been represented by native people of the region. The Bahá’í delegates are always cooperative and constructive and their efforts definitely contribute to the success of our Latin American Conferences.” This comment applies not only to the Conferences held in Latin America, but it is true of the Bahá’í participation in these NonGovernmental Conferences wherever they have been held in the world.

Perhaps the most interesting Regional Conference of all is the one that was held

W

til

Bahá’í Delegation (left) at Fifth Conference of International Non-Governmental Organizations on United Nations Information, held in New York City, October 6—10, 1952.

[Page 613]THE BAHA’I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 613

Fourth World Congress for World Federal Government, held in

Rome, Italy, April 2-9, 1951. The three Bahá’í representatives appear in second row, far left (left to right): Prof. Mario Fiorentini, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Prof. Alessandro Bausani.

October 24-31, 1952, in the Philippines. At this conference our delegates were: Mr. S. H. Koreshi, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan, and Burma; Mr. S. P. Bolton, Jr., representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand; Dr. David M. Earl, Headquarters Delegate, Bahá’í International Community; and Mr. K. H. Payman, representing the Bahá’ís of Indonesia.

Quoted from the report presented by the delegates is the following excerpt: ”The Bahá’í Delegation was the largest single delegation at the Conference, and probably influenced the course of the discussion more than any other. It would be no exaggeration to state that our delegation was the leading delegation. The word Bahá’í became a by-word of the Conference and was mentioned on many occasions in committee and plenary sessions and also by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Eulogio Perez, in his closing remarks.”

In other parts of the world, increased Bahá’í activity in United Nations affairs was

reported. The Bahá’ís of Rio de Janeiro had been cooperating since 1950 with the Organization of Non-Governmental Organizations of Brazil. The quality of their participation was such that in 1953 the Bahá’í Community of Rio de Janeiro was elected to the National Council.

In 1952 and 1953 the Bahá’ís were ably represented at the United Nations Conferences for Non-Governmental Organizations at the University of Kansas.

A Regional Conference of European Non-Governmental Organizations was convened in September, 1953, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Bahá’í International Community was ably represented by Dr. Ugo R. Giachery. Dr. Giachery is a veteran of many of these Conferences and is well known and highly respected by the other delegates. Miss Elsa Steinmetz acted as observer.

In November, 1953, a special Conference of Non—Govemmental Organizations on United Nations Information was convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Bahá’í International Community was represented by Mr. William de Forge.

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Dr. David Earl, Headquarters Delegate of the Bahá’í International Community, being presented to President Quirino of the Republic of the Philippines at reception given for delegates to the Non-Governmental Organizations Conference of United Nations, Manila, October 24, 1952.

Non-Governmental Organizations Conference on Technical Assistance held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, March 29, 1954. Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, representative of the Bahá’í International Community, is seated third from right.

[Page 615]THE BAHA’I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS

In March, 1954, a Non-Governmental Organizations Conference on Technical Assistance was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Each Organization was permitted only one delegate, and Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh represented the Bahá’í International Community. During the course of this conference our delegate made some suggestions regarding the publicizing Of the United Nations Technical Assistance Program and the marketing of handicrafts from the underdeveloped countries. The suggestions were most enthusiastically received by the Technical Assistance Department and the general body of delegates. Many considered it the only worthwhile suggestion developed from the Conference. Following the Conference our delegate was invited by the United Nations to draw up a definite plan containing the suggestions. This plan was submitted to the heads of various departments at the United Nations and all have given their hearty approval.

Mrs. Mottahedeh was planning to go to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. She asked the Technical Assistance Board whether they would like her to make liaison with the government officials wherever she went, in order to advance the project. This suggestion was met with warm approval and

615

the United Nations issued a letter to Mrs. Mottahedeh describing the plan, in order to facilitate her work.

It would here be interesting to describe the nature of this project. The suggestion was that, under the sponsorship of the United Nations Technical Assistance Board, a series of exhibitions be held at the most important trade fairs throughout the world. These exhibitions were to consist of photographs showing the progress in the fields of health, education, agriculture, nutrition, transportation and development of resources and handicrafts in the underdeveloped countries. In addition to the photographic exhibits, actual samples of the products were to be displayed to acquaint possible buyers with new potential sources of raw and fin< ished materials. Films on the work done in the developing of these underdeveloped countries were also to be shown. In this way the splendid solid accomplishments of the Technical Assistance Department of the United Nations would become known to sizable segments of the world’s population and new markets could be found for the products of the underdeveloped countries.

This project was undertaken in line with the Bahá’í policy to do anything in the powers of the Bahá’í International Community to forward the humanitarian work of the United Nations.