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[Page 1]

Newsletter of the

= Bahd International Community

October 2015-December 2014 Volume 25, Issue 2

Inside this issue

page 2,

Perspective: Builders of Ciilization: Youth and the Advancement of Humankind

von 4.

Unprecedented actfor religious coexistence resonates

across religions

me 18

In China, Nishan Forum examines

global values in a changing world

page 24. Three Bah dis stabbed in Iran, an episode of religious hatred poe 28 Review: Film charts iranian Bohd is’ peaceful 7 oppression 4

jJONE COUNTRY

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” — Baha‘u'llah

Informal breakfasts become an important venue for dialogue on post-2015 development agenda

Mateo Estreme, deputy permanent representative of Argentina to the United Nations, addresses a 20 Novernber 201.4 breakfast meeting on the topic of sodal protection floors in the context of the post-2015 development agenda negotiations.

EW YORK — Can the world effectively move forward with a post 2015 devel- opment agenda if most countries are mired in policies of economic austerity? ‘To what extent do conflict and violence prevent the world from meeting development goals?

‘What kinds of new partnerships are needed in the face of increasing south-south development exchanges?

‘What new finan ial arrangements are needed to pay for global development?

‘These were among the questions explored over the last year at a series of breakfast dialogues atthe offices of the Bahai International Community in New York, which, ‘were co-sponsored by the BIC and International Movernent ATD Fourth World.

Designed to bring together diplomats, UN officials and representatives of civil societp in an informal setting, the meetingshave created an important venue for the free exchange of ideas as governments consider how to replace the much-acclaimed ‘Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which expire in 2015,

In each session, publicremarks were offered by specialists on a given topic, fol- lowed by a general, off-the-record discussion, using Chatham House Rules, which al- low remarks to be recorded but not attributed, As of December 2014, there have been. 22 such meetings since July 2012,

Breakfasts, continued on page8 [Page 2]

PERSPECTIVE

Builders of Civilization: Youth and the Advancement of Humankind

IN BRIEF

= Young people are very much present in the neighborhoods and villages, work places and communities,

of the world today, making an impact in countless ways.

At issue is how their desire to contribute to constructive change and to

offer meaningful service can be strengthened, supported, and expanded.

The involvement

of youth is not something to be sought for their sake alone, nor as a tool designed to advance their needs as a specific population group. Rather, it is a component critical to the well-being of all of humankind, young and old alike.

2 | October 2013-December 2014

[Editor's Note: The following is a statement of the Baha’ International Community to the 2014 World Conference on Youth, held 6-10 May 2014 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.]

tis often said that youth are the

leaders of tomorrow, the future

of humanity. This is clearly true,

but young people are very much present in the neighborhoods and villages, work places and communi- ties, of the world today. We form a sizable segment of many populations, and the way those of our generation understand ourselves, our inherent capacities, and our role in society has, in every land, significant social consequences.

The issue, then, is not the difference youth can make in the life of society. Young people are already impacting their communities every day, in count- less ways and to widely varying ends. The issue, rather, is how the desire to contribute to constructive change and to offer meaningful service — both characteristic of our stage in life — can be strengthened, supported, and expanded.

At the international level, discourse on the role of youth often focuses on issues of voice and participation. Integrating young people into for- mal structures of power is of course advantageous for a variety of reasons. But simply feeding “young” voices into “old” systems, if unaccompanied by more substantive forms of partici- pation runs the risk of degenerating into mere tokenism. Young people are needed as leaders and decision- makers not only in youth forums and

special-purpose councils, but in those spaces where the course and direction of society as a whole are determined. This may well require the development of new systems of decision-making and collaboration — systems char- acterized by an unbiased search for truth, an attitude of cooperation and reciprocity, and an appreciation for the vital role every individual can play in the betterment of the whole.

But society is far more than a collection of impersonal laws, poli- cies, programs, and organizations. It is equally shaped by norms, values, aspirations, and relationships. It is important, therefore, not to artificially limit young people’s potential sphere of contribution. Youth might well con- tribute to social progress by participat- ing in the structures of government or volunteering their time and capacities to development agencies or other civil society groups. But no individual is dependent on external organizations to better the condition of his or her com- munity. None of us are reliant on the direction of others to begin working for the common good. None of us are incapable of making a difference in our own social spaces and circles.

In this light, the paths open to the youth of the world for selfless service to others are numerous. Few of these opportunities are found at the highest levels of global governance, such as the conference that has drawn us to- gether today. Most are less formal and closer to home, but equally impor- tant. In partnering with other youth and like-minded adults, for example, we play a powerful role in catalyz- ing home-grown transformation and [Page 3]progress, We make similarly unique contributions in the development

of upcoming generations, providing those younger than ourselveswith a model of conduct to emulate and a trusted partner in developing per- sonal capacities and exploring how those talents might be dedicated to the well-being of the community, Put simply, our generation isa vibrant source of social advancementin a variety of contexts, ranging from the village square to the global stage.

In considering contributionsto the post-2015 development agenda, it isimportant to recognize that an essential element of progress requires addressing patterns of thought and behavior if it isto be truly transfor- mative, It must, in other words, enter into the realm of culture. The task of combatting corruption, for example, is ultimately a matter of buildinga culture of honesty and trustworthiness aswell as one of fairness and equity, Reducing exclusion and addressing Prejudice similarly requires norms of solidarity, respect, and mutual support Youth, then, are crucial to the global development agenda not simply for the work we do and the projects we com- plete, Equally important are the social arrangements we and our contempo- aries can envision, the constructive patterns of association and interaction ‘we can promote that give practical eapression to our natural sense of ide- alism, and the patterns of community life we can build and welcome others to take part in,

In thislight, the involvement of youth is not something to be sought for our sake alone, nor atool designed to advance our needs asa specific population group, Rather, it is a com- onent critical to the well-being of all of humankind, young and old alike. ‘Youth must be involved in develop- ment efforts because the construction of anew and better society rests on our shoulders asmuch as on those of any others, and everyone is worse off when the contributions of any group or population are marginalized or disregarded.

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COUT

Sri Lanka youth conference demonstrates global concern of young people

The Baha" Intern ational Community’s delegation to the World Conference on Youth 2014 included, left to right: Pragalath an Ram asami, Suhawana Chourasia, Samadhi Paramitha, Nirvana Nawab Saleh, and Daniel Perell

}OLOMRO, SRI LANKA — A global youth conference, de- signed to incorporate substan- tive input from the youth of

the world to the post-2015 develop-

ment agenda process, drew some 1,500

people from an estimated 150 countries

from 6-10 May 2014

Sponsored by the government of Sri Lanka and an international youth task force, the World Conference on Youth 2014 produced a 12-page out- come document, titled the “Colombo Declaration on Youth.”

Among other things, the Declaration called for “an enhanced and active role for youth in policy formulation and implementation and evaluation of pro cesses related to development” and encouraged the es- tablishment of a ‘permanent youth de- partment within the United Nations”

Daniel Perell, who headed the Bahai International Community's six- person delegation to the event — in- duding youth from the United States, India and Sri Lanka — said that even aside from the conference's formal out- come, the energy and knowledge that came ab out from bringing together

so many young people in one place is certain to have a lasting effect.

“Any time you bring together so many youth leader sfrom around the world to share ideas and to learn from each other, it isa good thing,” said Mr, Perell, who is a representa- tive of the BIC to the United Nations, "Connections of friendship and shared endeavor were made, and in this inter- connected world, this will surely have an impact”

In addition to issuing a statement to the Conference (atleft) the BIC sponsored two side events that fo cused on the topic of empowerment.

Held on 7and & May, the tyro events, which featured the same program, drew collectively sore 80 participants, Designed to be highly interactive and participatory, the side eventsfo cused on the prerequisites of empowerment, and the need to place itn the context of service to the wider community,

“Atthe heart of the workshop ‘was an exercise in which the youth were given a blank sheet of paper

Youth, continued page 27

Odober 2013-December2014 | 3 [Page 4]

Unprecedented act of senior cleric for religious

coexistence resonates across religions

EW YORK — Ina sym-

bolic and unprecedented

act, Apatollah Abdol-Hamid

‘Masoumni-Tehrani, a promi- nent Muslim dlericin Iran, announced on 7 April 2014 that he has gifted to the Bahis of the world an illuminated work of calligraphy of a paragraph from the writings of Bahé'llth, the Prophet-founder of the Bahai Faith,

‘The gift comes in the wake of several recent statements by religious scholars in the Muslim world who have set out alternative interpretations ofthe teachings of Islam in which tolerance of every religion is,in fact, upheld by the holy Quran,

‘The action has generated ahopeful response from many quarters, indud- ing extensive comments from Arab and Musi thinkers worldwide.

"This is a most welcome and hope- ful development with possible implica- tions for the coexistence of the peoples ofthe world.” said Ms, Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Bahdf International Community to the United Nations.

Ayatollah Tehrani stated on his ‘website that he prepared the calligraphy ofthe verse asa ‘symbolic action to serve asa reminder of the importance of valuing human beings, of peaceful coexistence, of cooperation and mutual support, and avoidance of hatred, en- mity and blind religious prejudice.”

Ayatollah Tehrani presented this ex- uisite gift to the Bahéis of the world, particularly to the Bahdis of Iran, who he said "have suffered in mant- fold ways as aresult of blind rdigious prejudice," He further said that his act is "an expression of sympathy and care from me and on behalf of all my open- minded fellow citizens”

In response, Ms, Dugal said: "The Bahai International Community is deeply touched by this act of high- mindedness and the sentiments of

4 | October 2013-December 2014

Ayatollah Abdo-Hamid Masoum Tehrani perfecting an iluminated work of eallgnaphy The wortls used in this piace are from the witings of Bahd'u'iah

religious tolerance and respect for hu- man dignity that prompted it

“This bold action by a senior ‘Muslim clericin contemporary Iran is unprecedented,” said Ms, Dugal. “Itis also remarkable in light of the ongo- ing and systernatic persecution of the Bahai community in that country by the Islamic government”

‘The intricate artwork must have taken several months to painstakingly prepare by hand, It features atts center, a symbol known to Bahéis as "The Greatest Name” — a calligraphicrepre- sentation of the con ceptual relation ship between God, His prophets and the world of creation, The gift measures at approximately 6oan x oem andisil- laminated in a classical style, Ayatollah, ‘Tehrant’s other artworksindude the illumination of the Quran, the Torah, the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Book of Ezra, His illumination of the Psalmsis currently being held in the United States Library of Congress,

‘The excerpt that Ayatollah Tehrani chose to cite in the gift istaken from Bahu lldh’s Kitab-i-Aqdas — "Most Holy Book." Itreads "Consort with all

religions with amity and concord, that they may inhale from you the sweet fragrance of God, Beware lest amidst men the flame of foolish igorance overpower you, All things proceed from God and unto Him they return, Heisthe source of all things andin Him all things are ended”

On previous occasions, Ayatollah ‘Tehrani haswith great courage pub- lidly voiced concer about the ongoing and severe persecution of religious minorities, including the Bahéfs in Iran, Since the Idamic Revolution in 1979, hundreds of Bahdis have been killed and thousands have been imprisoned, There are currently more than 100 Bahdisbeing held in prison solely on the basis of thetr religious be- liefs, Bahdis in Iran are denied access to higher education, obstructed from earning alivelihood, prevented from burying their dead in accordance with their own burial rites, and subjected to the demolition, desecration and expro- priation of their cemeteries, all becatise of their religion.

Ayatollah Tehrant’s hope is that this gift “which will be kept by the

ONE COUNTRY [Page 5]Universal House of Justice [the international governing body of the Bahéf Paith] will serve asa reminder ofthe rich and ancient Iranian tradi- tion of friendship and of its culture of coexistence.”

Religious leaders and prominent thinkers around the world offered praise for Ayatollah Tehrani’ ac-

tion almost immediately after it was announced.

In the United Kingdom, two senior leaders ofthe Church of England is- sued statements the following week.

Lord Rowan Williams of Opstermouth, the former arch- bishop of Canterbury, satd the gift of Ayatollah Tehr ant was of “immense significance."

“It represents not only a person- ally gracious gesture but also a strand within the Isamicworld at its best and most creative which is deeply apprecia- tive of all that helpshuman beings to respond to God's will for peace and understanding” said Dr, Williams,

“Along with many others of all faiths, I shall pray that this marks a turning point in Iran’ attitudes to the Bahai community, and I give thanks for the courage and generosity which have motivated this gift”

Dr. Christopher Cocksworth, bishop of Conventry, Anglican Church, UK. He alled ayatollah Tehrani's gift to the Bahd'ls a ”courageous step (Photo courtesy of Dr Cocksworth’s office)

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Christopher Cocksworth, the bishop of Coventry, satd he was “heart- ened to learn’ of Ayatollah Tehran's sift to Bahai,

“Given the systemic and long standing suffering experienced by the Bahai community in Iran, thisis an imaginatively courageous step by a senior Iranian Islamic scholar,” said Dr. Cocksworth on 9 April 2014

Ayatollah Tehrant’s “action reminds ‘us all that despite the dehumanizing nature of many of today’s conflicts, religiousleaders have a shared re- sponsibility to encourage freedom. of religion and belief and to foster a deeper respect for human dignity” satd Dr, Cocksworth, who isthe Church of England's lead bishop in the Lords on foreign policy.

In India, likewise, leaders of the Buddhist, Islamic, Jain, Sikh, and ‘Zoroastrian communities responded almost immediately with statements of support and hope,

‘Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi ‘Mahli, head of the Islamic Centre of India, commented: “This friendliness towardsa beleaguered religious minor- ityis an exemplary act, Itunderscores, the principle of the equality of all people before God, irrespective of religious belief,

Bhikshu Pragyanand ofthe Indian Buddhist Society (Bhartiya Buddha Samiti), a regionally prominent leader who isbased in Lucknow, said Ayatollah Tehr ant has set an example for religious leaders of the world.”

“His exhortation for the avoidance ofhatred, enmity, and blind religious Prejudice is very needed in today’s world where freedom of consdence and freedom of belief are under con- stant threat in many countries,” said Bhikshu Pragyanand,

Representing the Sikh community, Rajendra Singh Bayga, president of the Ludmow Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, said Ayatollah Tebr ants gift “once again proves that humanity, com- passion and peaceful coexistence isa very base of every religion of the world”

H, 8, Sepai, leader of the Lucknow Parsi Anjuman of the Zoroastrian community, said Ayatollah Tehrani has

An illuminated calligraphic work by Ayatollah abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani, containing the words of Bahdu'lh

shown "the way towardsrealization of world unity and world peace.”

Shailendra Jain, national vice president of Bhartiya Jain Milan, called Ayatollah Tehrant®s statement "path- breaking.” "Hisnoble gesture for the Rahdis of the world is to be appred- ated by one and all!" he said.

Prominent individualsin the academic and development com- munitieshave also responded with, praise, including the well-known sodal sdentist Armitabh Kundu. Dr. Kindu, an internationally recognized author of more than 25 books on economics, de- velopment, and social science, said he felt “happiness and satisfaction” upon learning of Ayatollah Tehrant’s action.

“Let us hope that thisis a begin- ning of anew beginning” he said, “This ‘would be the view and hope of alright thinking people in India desiring to live finan indusive world”

Odober 2013-December2014 | 5 [Page 6]

COEXISTENCE

In the Arab and Muslim world, a new discussion on religious coexistence emerges

IN BRIEF

" Inspired partly by the gift of Iran’s Ayatollah Tehrani, Arab and Muslim thinkers and scholars are opening a new discussion on religious coexistence.

In articles, commentaries and interviews, these leaders are openly calling for religious freedom.

Many cite passages from the Quran

to support their vision, saying that Islam is at its heart a religion that supports equality and tolerance.

6 | October 2013-December 2014

ANAMA, Bahrain —

Throughout the Arab

and Muslim world, a new

discussion on how to live peacefully side by side with the follow- ers of all religions has begun to take shape.

This discourse has been inspired partly by the dramatic call of Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani, an Iranian cleric who has called for religious coexistence with the Bahdis in Iran.

But the discourse has in some ways taken on a life of its own, emerging as a heartfelt discussion about the situa- tion of religious freedom in Arab and Muslim lands and elsewhere.

In Bahrain, respected journalist Es haq Al-Sheikh published a com- mentary in the newspaper Alayam saying that Ayatollah Tehrani’s cal- ligraphic gift offered insights about the need for bold action to promote the principle of religious coexistence in the entire region.

“The call of this Iranian cleric cre- ates a genuine invitation for a spirit of peaceful and stable religious coexis- tence, firmly established in tolerance among all religions,” wrote Mr. Al- Sheikh on 21 April 2014, in an article headlined: “Allow for the Baha'i Faith amongst us.”

“This is a blessed call that must take its path to...the Arabian Peninsula and all the Arab countries, to give Bah@is their rights in practicing their religion, and for those countries to strengthen their own concept of citizenship through justice and equality between all religions and beliefs in our Arab societies,” wrote Mr. Al-Sheikh.

‘Abdu’l-Hamid Al- Ansari, an expert on Islamic law in Qatar, wrote in the Kuwaiti newspaper Aljarida on 26 May 2014 that: “Man was created ‘free; and from the Islamic perspective, ‘freedon’

is not a mere right, but rather a duty accountable by law. “Islam grants ‘religious freedom’ to those who are at variance with it in belief and worship [as stated in the Quran]: “To each among you have we prescribed a law and a system? “Hence,” wrote Dr. Al- Ansari, a for- mer dean in Islamic studies and law at the University of Qatar, “what will re- main of the meaning of ‘freedom’ if we prevent the followers of other religions from practicing their religions?”

An “opening of the mind”

Suheil Bushrui, an authority on religious and interfaith issues in the Arab world, said the region “is an area where there are without any doubt tremendous forces of fanaticism, but at the same time there is an opening of the mind, and a tremendous desire to create a new way of thinking.

“Part of this new thinking is that vi- olence is not what religion teaches, and there is an increasing discussion that emphasizes that freedom of worship and freedom of religion are guaranteed by the Quran itself? said Dr. Bushrui, who is director of the George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project at the University of Maryland.

In Iraq, one of the most senior Shiite clerics, Ayatollah Seyed Hosein Sadr, gave a long interview outlining a similar vision of religious coexistence and freedom of belief.

“I do not believe in dichotomy in God’s message, just as I do not subscribe to dichotomy or conflict between God and mankind,” said Ayatollah Sadr on 14 May 2014 in Din Online. “I believe that such presump- tion stems from erroneous under- standing by religious fanatics and radicals... [Page 7]

Ayatollah Seyed Hosein Sadr, a senior Shia cleric in Iraq, has called for religious coexistence and freedom of belief.

“Religion should not be used to suppress mankind, or to force him or her, or cause pressure or duress; reli- gion is meant to guide mankind toa more noble life, and to imbue feelings of joy and good fortune, to offer mean- ing and value to life” said Ayatollah Sadr

‘Ayatollah Sadr was also asked about a recent statement he made, in which he urged Muslims to have cordial rela- tions with Bahéis, “I might not agree with followers of a certain religion, but that does not mean that I can deprive them of their natural human rights? he said, “Religion has bidden us to treat others with equity and justice, even our enemies. As God has said: ‘Collective animosity should not make you cease being just! You must observe fairness and justice, and that is closer to piety”

In Tran in May,a high-ranking cleric — while not mentioning Ayatollah Tehrani — declared that in- terpretations of Islam that hold Bahé's to be impure are incorrect — and that Bahé‘is should therefore enjoy equal rights,

“Like all other religious jurists who believe that [all] people are ritually pure, Ialso believe that Bahéis are

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pure” wrote Hojatoleslam Mohammad Taghi Pazel Meybodi

“In accordance with the citizen- ship rights of all citizens ofa country, Muslims, Bahéis, Zoroastrians, or any people holding any set of beliefs should enjoy rights equal to those of any other citizens of the country” wrote Hojatoleslam Meybodi in an es- sayon Iran wire

“There should be no difference between a Baht, a Jew and other religious minorities in other situations such as the right to education, the right to earn a living, the right to select one’s residence, etc,” said Hojatoleslam Meybodi

Mahmoud Chreih, a noted author, editor, and scholar in Lebanon, said the new message of coexistence is clearly supported in the Quran and in other Islamic texts. “The Quran is clear — the verses are clear about toler- ance — so there is no problem with the text of Islam” Mr. Chreih said, “The problem is how itis applied?

Accordingly, he said, the message of Ayatollah Tehrani and others resonates throughout the region

Ahlam Akram, a prominent Arab activist for peace, wrote on 24 April 2014 in Elaph: “Surprisingly, and perhaps hopefully, a number of Muslim clergymen have adopted a new understanding of the teachings and principles of Islam, an understanding that takes a positive stance based on the spirit of the religion, and believes that the Holy Quran encourages co- existence between religions; in fact it welcomes it?

Outside the Middle East

In the United Kingdom, the found- er of the British Muslim Forum said he hoped Ayatollah Tehrani’ initiative would “result in bringing much needed understanding” between Muslims and Bahéis in Iran and elsewhere,

“The Forum congratulates the Ayatollah for his courageous and dignified act and sincerely hopes that it will open the door of constructive inter-faith relations between the two. faith communities in Iran,” wrote Maulana Shahid Raza on 5 May 2014,

Fiyaz Mughal, director of Faith Matters, an interfaith and anti- extremist organization based in the United Kingdom, praised the actions of Ayatollah Tehrani in the Huffington Post. “[T]he symbolism of [his] ‘reach- ing out comes in the wake of several recent statements by religious scholars in the Muslim world who have set

out alternative interpretations of the teachings of Islam in which tolerance of every religion is, in fact, upheld by the holy Quran” wrote Mr. Mughal on 12 May 2014

Tbrahirn Mogra, assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, wrote an article about the need for religious coexistence on the website of The Guardian newspaper.

“He has reminded us that Islam is a religion of peace that recognizes diversity of every kind as part of God’s design for his creation) wrote Imam. Mogra on 21 April 2014

“The Ayatollah has done something unprecedented in Iran,’ continued Imam Mogra, “And he is part of a growing trend in that country; others have also championed the inalienable rights of all Iranian citizens. Islam has a history of defending minorities and protecting their religious rights and freedoms,”

In an interview in May 2014, Clovis Maksoud, the former ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United Nations and now living in Washington, DC, said: “There is no doubt that there isa trend against dogmatism and intransigence among all religions at this moment,

“There is a discovery of what is com- mon amongst the religions much more than what distinguishes them from each other.

“And what the Ayatollah has done, and the gift he has given to the Bahéis, isa testimony [to this] in a very subtle way. And it applies not only to what has happened to Bahéiis but also what is happening in many situations be- tween Shiites and Sunnis, and between, Christians and Muslims,” said Dr. Maksoud

October 2015-December 2014 | 7 [Page 8]

IN BRIEF

+ A series of informal breakfast meetings at the Baha International Community have provided an important venue for diplomats, UN offidals and NGOs to discuss the post- 2015 development agenda.

= Topics have ranged from financing to peace and security.

= Chatham House Rules help create an atmosphere for frank consultation and exchange.

= As of December 2014, there have been 22 such meetings since July 2012.

Partidpants in the breakfast meetings include diplomats, UN officials, and representatives of Guil society. The format allows for afree and informal exchange of ideas. Shown here are partidpants at the 29 October 2014 meeting

8 | Odober 2013-December2014.

Informal breakfasts become an important venue for dialogue on post-2015 development agenda

Breakfasts, continued from pageone

“The main purpose of these meet- ingshasbeen to create a space for dialogue that also allows diplomats and civil society to talk freely and also to listen,” said Cristina Diez, the main representative to the United Nations of ATD Fourth World,

"We feel we have succeeded. People sive opinionsin a free way where ev- eryone can think about them and see the merits and bring points about how these ideasmnay be implemented.

“Another thing iswe do itregularly Thaver't seen any other space at the UN like this, There are many meetings with panels or roundtables, But most ofthe time is for speakers to give their point of view. There is very litte time for dialogue.

“We have had very supportive feedback, One diplomat said: “This is a space where I can listen to ideas with- out anyone trying to sell me anything or convince me that Ihave to do this, or that" said Ms. Diez,

October 2013: Financial requirements

In October 2013, the meeting explored how the world can meet the financial requirements for a new post- 2015 development agenda,

Eduardo Galvez, deputy permanent representative of Chile to the UN, and Shari Spiegel of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs were featured speakers on 22 October,

‘They issued a broad plea for new medhanismsto finance the nest set of goals, adding that such mechanisms should ultimately fo cus on creating enabling environments at the domestic and international levels to Fadlitate long term sustainable economic growth,

“We live in a globalized world and you need an international enabling environment,” said Mr, Gélvez, ‘And that means some changes with regard to trade and investment.”

Roth also emphasized the impor- tance of creating incentivesto help shiftinvestor sfrom short-term to long-term thinking,

ONE COUNTRY [Page 9]“We need good governance, we need good institutions, we need the rule oflaw, andwe need a strong policy framework," said Ms, Siegel. She said institutional investors, with some $85 trillion in assets at their disposal, won'tinvest in sustainable develop- ment unless there isa solid framework domestically and internationally to mitigate risk

Participants said there is aneed to change fun damentally patterns of con- sumption and production, because the world isnow understood as finite in its resources, and itis dear humanity is “over-consuming.”

November 2013: Partnerships in a changing world

In November 2013, the dialogue explored the kinds of new partnerships that will be needed after 2015, espe- ally in view of the changing relation- ships between donors and recipients in amore globalized world.

Ambassador Jean-Francis Régis ‘Zinsou, permanent representative of the Republic of Benin to the UN, said on 19 November that any attempt to frame a new goal along the lines of MDG 8, which calls simply for the world to “develop a global partner- ship for development.” must take into account the fact that today "we are not talking about a partnership’ — we are talking about ‘partnerships.” which will encompass the whole range of new actors and trends in development,

The focus, said Mr, Zinzou, should ultimately be to provide resources for poverty eradication, which he consid- ersto the main overall goal of any new development agenda,

Navid Hanif, director of the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination at the UN, said the tar- gets set for MDG 8 — which induded improvements to the international trad- ing spstem, dealing with debt, improv- ing information and communications technologies — were imprecise and vague, “Many labeled it asthe weak- estlink” he said, adding that its “weak accountability” meant that its achiev ment "was based largely on goodwill”

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Eduardo Galvez, deputy permanent representative of Chile to the LIN, left, gave opening remarks at a 22 October 2013 breakfast meeting on finandal issues related to the post-2015 development agenda. On the rights Saul \Weisleder, the deputy permanent representative of Costa Rica to the UN

He said the intemational commu- nity should consider a "partnership" goal with a "Tobust accountability and measuring mechanistn.”

“It should also be inclusive, people- centered, and transparent” said Mr, Hanif, “andit should promote mutual learning and have feedback loops from the local to the global level”

Such an agenda, he said, would ad- dress all the global challenges such as “oimate change, inequality, migration, umemployment, and de-carbonization of our economies”

December 2013: Impact of conflict and violence

‘The meeting in December 2013 considered the impact of violence and conflict on meeting the goals of any new development agenda,

"We can't eradicate poverty without eradicating violence," said Andrew ‘Tomlinson, the director of the Quaker UN Office, which co-sponsored the meeting with the BIC and ATD Fourth World on 17 December, “In many soci- eties [where conflict is prevalent], the development aid process islike potr- ing water into a bucket with holes”

Sarah Cliffe, assistant secretary general of Oivilian Capacities to the UN,

said the threat of conflict and violence affects everything from whether children. are ableto go to school safely to the inability to access obs, health care ot education, whether because of conflict or high levels of crime,

“The impact of violence and conflict on social and economic development is deep” said Dr, Cliffe, "Many coun- trieshave seen their development held back by these factors.”

Dr, Cliffe and other participants said new development goals could include measurable targets for good governance, institution building, and Political processes that increase basic safety and security, justice, and confi- dence building,

‘When security and stability are re-established and sustained in post- conflict societies, said Dr, Cliff, great development gains can be made,

She cited Ethiopia, Mozambique

and Rwanda as examples, noting

for example that between 1990 and 2009, Ethiopia quadrupled access to improved water, while Mozambique tripled its primary school completion rate from 1999 to 2007,

"Building the justice system was not part of the MDGs" she said, "For many countries, this will require in- ternational assistance,” said Dr. Cliffe

Odober2013-December 2014 | 9 [Page 10]

‘The meetings feature full participation of dvil society representatives. shown are Nicole Bjerler, left, and Carsten Bockemueh|, with the miaophone, both of Amnesty Intemational, at the 29 Odober 201.4 breakfast meeting

"And we know that institution building takes time, It can take a generation”

Kavita Desai, advisor to the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the UN, discussed efforts to end and then heal the decades-long conflict there in the early 20008, noting that her country had achieved stability and security — which allowed recently for double-digit economic growth,

She called violence “development in reverse," noting that while MDGs were good, their focus was mainly limited to “water, health, and education” since the ‘world community was unable or tnvill- ing to addresslarger, more politically sensitive questions elated to conflict

February 2014: Austerity verses development

In February 2014, the focus was on the impact that national austerity measures might have on financing for development, exploring also the rela tion between domestic cut-backsin social programs and the rising tide of protests around the world.

‘Matthew Cummins, a policy spe- alist in UNICEFs Public Finance and Local Governance Unit, said domestic austerity measures taken in the wake ofthe 2008 global financial crisis had severelyreduced budgets — and

10 | October 2015-December 2014.

especially social programs — in most ofthe world,

“About 50 percent of countries ‘worldwide cut their budgetsin 2010- 2012 — and the overall size of that contraction was about 2.2 percent” said Mr, Cummins, “And if we look at spending through this year, which I call the ‘intensification of contraction’ phase, we can see that 100 countries are going to be cutting their budgets by an amount of 3.3 peroent of GDP”

‘These kinds of cuts will leave little room to fund the post-2015 develop- ment agenda, said Mr, Cummins, since overseas development aid is dectining and “what we are really talking about in funding development is domestic resource mobilization.”

‘Mr, Curnminsidentified seven areas where governments could find enough “finan dal space” to provide more funds for devdopment, These indlud- ed: efforts to make taxes more progres- sive,the elimination of tax havens, and the restructuring of debt.

Sara Burke, a senior policy ana- lyst with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung,

a German NGO, said the austerity policies of governments around the ‘world have been a major factor in the increasing number of anti-government protestsin recent years

Citing a study she co-authored thet analyze d world protests between 2006

and 20%, she said the main griev- ance expressed during the 843 anti- government protests they analyzed was a call for economicjustice and against austerity,

"People need decent jobs, ving wag es and acceptable living conditions” she said, "They want food they can afford."

Another key demand was"the ary for real demo racy?” she said, noting that nearly half of the protestsindi- cated some level of "discontent with the workings of government”

“The problem ismuch more than austerity... Areal transformation is needed in terms of policy shifts” ifthe worldis to meet any kind of develop- ment agenda, she satd.

April 2014: “Break down the silos”

In April 2014, the topic was climate change but the discussion focused largely on how to counteract the tendency among policy makers to con- sider the main issues facing humanity — poverty, dimate change, women’s advancement, and so on — as separate problems.

Francois Gave, counselor of the Permanent Mission of France to the UN, said global problems must be seen asinterrelated — and so must the overall approach in any development agenda.

“Problems tend to be more and more complex," said Mr. Gave, "We must try to break dowm the silos” that confine each issue, For example, he said, “climate change cannot be addressed in isolation” of other is- sues such as poverty, accessto water, desertification and, even, violence,

Held 25 April, the specifictopic of the meeting was "Post-2015 and climate: Highlighting appropriate environmental targets for the SDGs." ‘Mr, Gave was joined in the discussion by Abigail Jones, amanaging director at Climate Advisors, a Washington, DC-based consultancy,

‘Mg, Jones noted that the lat- est scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says global warming and other coming climate impacts

ONE COUNTRY [Page 11]are likely to affect the world’s poor disproportionately,

‘Atthe same time, she said, while climate change has global relevance, “countries have different priorities and different capadties to address it”

She agreed there isa growing con- sensus that any future goalsin relation to climate change or sustainable de- velopment should be interlinked with cross-cutting effectsrelated to food, water, poverty and disaster risk, among other issues,

June 2014: The end of “North” and “South”

In June 2014, the breakfast session examined the degree to which global- ization has meant the end of “differen tiation’ in concerns and responsibili- ties for development,

Traditionally, development has been seen as something done by therich for the poor. The “developed” nations “helped” the “less developed.”

That view is increasingly called into question in the face of rising middle income countries, growing inequalities, in the North, and the realization that some problems — like climate change — affect everyone,

‘The topic, “Universality, differentia- tion, and our shared responsibilities” generated a wide range of insights about the evolution of thinking about development, development assistance, and international cooperation.

“As we know, the whole UN de- velopment cooperation system func- tionsmore or lesson the basis of a north-south set up said Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN, who offered opening remarks at 11 June event,

“But itis not well equipped for south- south cooperation, And most of the resources that we are funneling toward development are of the voluntary kind.”

Atthe Riot20 conference two years ago, he satd, governments decided thet proposed sustainable development goals (SDGs) should be “universal in nature”

“This is very different from North- South — itis something that would apply to the developed countries, too." he said, adding, aswell, that even in

umconecountyong

the United States now, “inequality” has become an issue

“The world is now more like a continuum actos the seale of develop- ment” he added, ‘rather than abinary division of the world.”

Following Mr, Patriota’s opening remarks, there was a general discus- sion about “common but differ enti- ated responsibilities” (CBDR) and ‘universality, Among other things, patticipants said that new develop- ment goals cannot be met without some level of overseas development assistance (ODA) from “developed” countries; that private sour ces of funds will also be needed; and that “rich” countries cannot be expected to pay for everything,

October 2014: The role of civil society

In October 2014, the focus was on vil society and itsrole in helping to reate and implement the post-2015 development agenda,

“We are talking about a profound transformation of society.” said Csaba Kérési, permanent representative of Hungary to the UN, speaking on 29 October, about the potential of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Implementing such sweeping changes will require a profound

transformation in our global mind- set, he said, adding that civil society organizations are among the best posi- tioned to inspire that kind of change,

Ambassador Kérdsi said that while technology has facilitated such trans- formations in human society in the past, setting SDGs is different because of its deliberative process

“We have never tried to design the process in the course of the development of human history" said Ambassador Kéréai

‘To implement the proposed SDGs, which range from “ending poverty everywhere” to “ensuring sustainable consumption and production pat- tems” new coalitions and institutional mechanisms will be required, said Ambassador Kérési

"You were the first among all stake- holders, to recognize that we need a transformation,” he said, "A transfor- mation that will startin minds”

Joe Colombano, a senior of- ficer and economic advisor in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary General, said civil society playsa key role in providing an outside perspec- tive — and a level of passion — to the SDG deliberations and subsequent implementation,

“tis the main responsibility of the international community to listen to these voices to ensure we leave no one behind,” said Mr, Colombane.

‘The informal breakfast meetings have been sponsored by the Baha! International Community and inten ational Movement ATD Intemational Movement Fourth World, Above are Cristina Diez Sagilllo of ATD Fourth World, left and Daniel Perall, with microphone, of the BIC, at the December 2013 mesting

October 2018 December 2014 | 12 [Page 12]Vinicius Pinheiro, deputy director of the UN office (New York) for the Intern ational Labor Orgeniztion, speaks at the 20 November 201.4 breakfast meeting which explored how sodal protection floors relate to the post-2015 agenda

phrase “safety net" to "social protec- tion floor.”

‘The word “net” implies “a number of bureaucrats making fine line dect- sions” about what social protections to provide, he said,

However, he said, if social protec tions are cast as human rights, along the lines of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, then the SDGs "will be much more robust.”

Prof, Alston and Mr. Estreme also spoke about the importance of estab- lishing well considered indicators and targetsin the SDGs,

“If there ist accountability under implementation, then the work will have little impact." said Prof. Alston.

November 2014: Social protection can stimulate growth

In November 2014, at the atst such breakfast meeting, the fo cus was on “social protection floors" and their relation to the post-2015 agenda,

One idea that emerged was that efforts to provide minimum education, income and pensions for people across all ages can be a source of economic szowth for countries, rather than a drag on national budgets

“Tbeliewe we have to look at social protection floors not as an expendi- ture but as an investment" said Mateo Estreme, deputy permanent representa- tive of Argentinato the UN, speaking on 20 Novernber 2014

“And itis not only an investment in the human resources of the country but also, I believe, an important way of promoting growth.”

‘Mr, Estreme said economic growth ‘was among the many reasons that strong language promoting social protection floors should be included in. the SDGs,

“Our motto for post-2015 is no one left behind, and with these social protection floors, the main purpose isto not leave anyone behind." said Ambassador Estreme.

12 | October 208-December 2014

“From early childhood until old age, social protection floors are a way of introducing the idea that all sec- tors of society, at all ages, should be included, should be protected, and should have income, security, access to health services, education services and so forth,” said Mr. Estreme.

Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, agreed that the eco- nomic benefits of good social protec- tion floors make their indusion in the SDGsa very rational decision,

He added, however, that so ial protection should also be cast in terms of human rights — so that states will feel more obligated to provide mini- mum levels of social security once new SDGsare agreed on.

“The current draft avoidsthe use of human rights” said Mr, Alston, "The consensus we can take from thisis that human rights are not relevant, let alone even central, tothe development process

“I think we have to push back on that” he sald, speaking to a mized sgoup of diplomats, UN agency of- ficials and representatives of civil society,

Prof, Alston said the language used in the SDGs will matter very much,

He said, for example, that the World Bank seemsto prefer the default

ONE COUNTRY [Page 13]R= rhll—( CC

In from the cold: love, compassion and governance explored in Iceland

Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the president of iceland, addresses the Spirit of Humanity Forum, held 10-12 April 2014 in Reykjavik, Iceland

IN BRIEF

+ A"Spirit of Humanity” forum in Iceland drew more than 250 current and former UN offidals, civil society representatives, and business and religious leaders in April 2014.

+ They explored the role of human values and spirituality in relation to decision-making at community, national and international levels.

EYRJAVIK, Iceland — The

‘words "love" and "compas-

sion’ are rar dlp juxtaposed with.

terms like “governance” and “leader ship”

And, yet, shouldnt they be?

‘That was essentially the main theme ofthe Spirit of Humanity Forum, a rather bold and brave conference held 10-12 April 2014

‘The Forum sought to explore the role of higher human values and spirituality in empowering effective decision-making at personal, commu- nity, national and international levels

Participants — numbering more than 2g0 from some 4o countries — encompassed a wide range of current and former United Nations officials, representative from non-governmental organizations and civil society, along with prominent leaders in business, education, and government,

Among the organizing partners was the City of Reykjavik, and partici pantsin the Forum induded Glafur Ragnar Grimsson, the president of Teeland; Ruud Lubbers, the former prime minister of the Netherlands; and

Kul Chandra Gautam, former deputy executive director of UNICER

‘The Bahai International Community was represented by Daniel Perell, arepresentative to the UN.

“Itis undeniable that both love and compassion are required for good gov- ernance, and so this event wasreally an important and significant effortto study that relationship” satd Mr. Perell

“Tt was a gathering of individuals who are directly involved in various forms of governance — and who are also trying to see the practical benefits and results that come from expressing love and compassion,

"Put another way, it reflected part of what can be seen as a global movement towardsmore values-based gover- nance, and as Bahdis this is something that we are very much concerned with and involved in,’ said Mr, Perell,

For more, go to the Spirit of Humanity Forum website, at: http! solforum.orgy

October 2015-December 2014 | 13 [Page 14]Comes

New report examines Iran’s failed promises from 2010 Universal Periodic Review

IN BRIEF

= Anew report from the Baha't International Community examines Iran‘s record of delivering on promises it made to the UN Human Rights Council in 2010.

• Examining

recommendations accepted by tran at its Universal Periodic Review that year, the report says Iran failed to live up to any of the 34 that affected the Iranian Baha'f community.

• One item, for

example, called on Iran to “judicially prosecute” those who incite hatred against Baha‘ts. Yet hundreds of anti-Bah4‘t articles were published by government-run media in 2014.

‘The full report can be read at: httpy//erenw.bic.org/ unfulfilledpromises

14 | Odober2013-December2014

ENEVA.— Iran has comn- pletely failed to live upto a series of promisesit made regarding itstreatment of

Iranian Bahéis four years ago, accord-

ing to anew report from the Bahai

International Community,

Titled "Unfulfilled Promises” and launched 15 September 2014 at the United Nationsin Geneva, the report discusses 24 specific pledgesmade by Iran in February 2010 at the Human Rights Counail that in some wap optild addresshumman rights viola- tions faced by members of Iran’s Bahdi community,

“Iran has utterly failed in every case to fulfil the commitments itmade to improve human rights in relation to itstreatment of Bahdis when it stood before the Human Rights Council four years ago” said Diane Alai, the BIC representative to the United Nationsin Geneva, discussing the report.

“The Council is built on the idea that its members will be honest and sincere in their pursuit of human rights, and Iran’srecord of unfulfilled promises’ is a sad testimony of the gap

Cee he

between that country’ rhetoric and reality," said Ms, Ala,

‘The pledges made by Iran came during its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which each member state un- dergoes every four years

During its 2o1oreview, Iran accept- ed 123 of 198 recommendations made by other countries about specific steps it could take to improve its hurman rights practices, Four of those recom- mendationsreferred specifically to Iran’s treatment ofthe Bahai commu nity — and three of those four specifi- cally called for a “fair and transparent" trial for the seven imprisoned Iranian Bahdi leaders, who were then on trial

“Unfortunately, as everyone knows, that trial was marked by mumer- ous violations of due process, from a closed courtroom to obvious judicial bias," said Ms, Alai, noting that their lawyers have said the indictment against the seven was "more like a political announcement, rather than a legal document” that was "written without producing any proof for their allegations.”

Another recommendation called on Iran to "judicially prosecute” those who indte hatred against Bahdis,

"Yet, during the first half of 2014, the volume of such media attacks rose sharply, from 55 in January to at least 565 in June,” said Ms, Alsi, recounting figures from the report, "Yet the govern- menthas done nothing, as these attacks are made at the government’ instigation,

Another 26 recommendations cover human rights, such as protection from torture or freedom from economic and educational discrimination, that have also been withheld from Iranian Bahéisin recent years,

“Our report shows, on a recom- mendation-by-recommen dation basis, how none of these commitments have been fulfilled,” satd Ms, Alat. [Page 15]H UM AN a

(Cs es)

At 2014 UPR, Iran's faces numerous questions about religious freedom and Bahda’is

ENEVA — During a ma-

jor review of Iran's human

rights record at the Human

Rights Council in October 2014, governments from around the world repeatedly called attention to Iran’s lack of religious freedom — and its continued persecution of Iranian Bahdis.

During the four-hour session, known as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), 104 governments made statements, yielding 291 recommenda- tions about how Iran might improve its commitment to human rights.

Of these recommendations, at least 36 expressed concern about Iran’s use of the death penalty, 22 appealed for greater religious freedom or tolerance, at least 20 urged Iran to treat women with greater equality, and 20 or more called on Iran to cooperate more fully with international human rights mechanisms and monitors.

Of the recommendations on religious freedom or tolerance, 10 specifically mentioned the situation of Iranian Bahd‘is, while a recommenda- tion regarding discrimination against women and girls from Chile also urged Iran to promote access to higher edu- cation for Bahéis.

During its time during the ses- sion, held 31 October 2014, the Iranian delegation to the Council generally avoided addressing the specific con- cerns of other countries, maintaining instead, in a general way, that Iran “continues to fully participate in the international deliberations and activi- ties for the promotion and protection of human rights.”

The head of the Iranian delega- tion, Mohammad Javad Larijani, did respond late in the session to questions from other governments about the status of Bah@is, saying “they enjoy all the privileges of any citizen in Iran”

Diane Aldi, the representative of the Bahai International Community to the United Nations in Geneva, said Mr. Larijani’s description of the situation facing Baha'is was flatly wrong.

“Sadly, what we saw at today’s Human Rights Council session was an attempt to gloss over the issue of reli- gious discrimination, repeatedly cited as a concern by other governments,” said Ms. Alai shortly after the meeting.

“In response to questions posed by member states about Bahdiis, Iran’s repre- sentative once again completely distorted the facts and hypocritically stated that Baha’is enjoy all citizenship rights.

“In response to questions posed by member states about Baha‘is, Iran's representative once again completely distorted the facts and hypocritically stated that Baha'is enjoy

all citizenship rights.”

— Diane Ala’i, Baha’i International Community

“If there were the least thread of truth in what he said, why then on Saturday were at least 79 Bahdi-owned shops in Kerman, Rafsanjan, and Jiroft, summarily closed by officials because proprietors had stopped doing busi- ness to observe a recent Bahéii holy day. Those closures obviously violate the freedom of these Iranian citizens to practice their religion.

“Moreover, why has it been over 30 years since Baha'is have been officially allowed to attend university or work in the public sector or even be gainfully employed in their own businesses?” said Ms. Ali.

Ms. Ala’i noted that governments from every region raised the issue of religious tolerance in Iran, and that concern over the treatment of

Bahdis — along with Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Sufis — were frequently and specifically raised.

“Sadly, the comments made by Iran’s representatives once again were clearly nothing less than prevarication, whether it be on the issue of religious freedom, freedom of the press or assembly, or due process in legal pro- ceedings,” said Ms. Alai.

Ms. Alai noted that Mr. Larijani also suggested there is a “multicultural universality of human rights”

“Such a concept would give the gov- ernment a license to interpret interna- tional human rights law as it pleases,” said Ms. Aldi.

“How Iran treats its Bahdi citi- zens is really a litmus test on how the government respects the rights of all its citizens,’ she said, adding tht they “pose no threat to the government, and so there is no reason it cannot simply and reasonably uphold their rights”

On 4 November 2014, the Iranian delegation said it would tell the Council which recommendations it would accept sometime before the next session of the Council in March 2015.

October 2013-December 2014

15 [Page 16]Cro

UN Experts: The inclusion of minorities can help stem extremism and hatred

IN BRIEF

= A greater emphasis on the inclusion of ethnic and religious minorities in the processes of governance could help to quell violence and extremism.

+ Two high level UN experts gave a briefing for NGOs

on 23 Odober 2014.

= Itis not enough for governments to say, simply, “our communities just don’t get along”

• Efforts to promote

freedom of religion or belief are another measure that can adually help to promote

tolerance, they said.

16 | Odober 2013-December2014

EW YORK —Two United Nationshigh levd experts issued a plea for a greater emphasis on the indusion of

ethnic and religious minoritiesin the

process of governance as an antidote to violence and extremism,

“When you don'tinclude minorities in the government, you dont real-

ize how much you are dividing the

community” said Rita lesék, the UN

Special Rapporteur on minority issues,

Heiner Bielefeldt, the Special

Rapporteur on freedom of religion

or belief, said: “Itisto the benefit of

everyone to see minorities respected."

‘Their remarks came on 23 October

2014 at a briefing for non-govern-

mental organizations, organized by

the NGO Committee on Freedom

of Religion ot Belief and held at the

offices of the Bahét International

Community, which co-sponsored the

event, along with the International

Center for Law and Religious Studies,

Roth experts highlighted their belief that the UN and itsmember states must make greater efforts to ensure that the rights of minorities, both, ethnicand religious, are protected at all levels, and not just in a perfunctory manner,

‘Ms, lasdk said it isnot enough for governments just to say “our commu- nities just don't get along”

“Itis never like that," said Ms Izsdk, "The biggest issue isthe deficit of good governance, Competition for power and resources isnormal, The problem is that thisis not alwaysa fair competition, Because some groups are excluded at the very beginning from this competition.”

‘Ms, lasdk said if ustice spstems, for example, were improved, those who spew ethnic or réligioushatred or who manifest corruption on behalf of their ethnic or religious group could be prosectited, "That could eliminate a lot of hatred,” she satd.

Heiner Bielefeldt left, and Rita lzsdk, speak at a briefing for NGOs on 23 October 2014 at the officas of the Bahé'f Intemational Community

ONE COUNTRY [Page 17]Dr, Bielefeldt stressed the impor- tance of using the international human rights framework to bolster protec- tionsfor minorities — something he said will ultimately also improve life for the majority.

“The minorities are the ones who see the advantage of stressing freedom. of religion or belief,’ he said, "But itis also to the benefit of majority religions, and that is why one has to form very broad alliances to promote freedom of religion or belief as part of human rights broadly,

“You cant work on behalf of mi- norities without addressing the major- ity” he said.

Roth also spoke about some of the difficulties they face as tmpaid experts in the UN system who have very lim- itedresources at their disposal

Dr, Bielefeldt described how dif- ficult it can be for him as an individual investigator on a country visitto safely talk to those who feel under persecu- tion in the presence of government minders,

He also evaluated the overall impact ofhis work on promoting change, say- ing that is the "people on the ground” who make areal difference,

He added that advocacy groups should use the pro-human rights thetoric of governments as a lever to encourage them to meet the higher standards they promise

“First, there may be some in the same government who want to go further” said Dr, Bielefeldt, "So turn thetorical statements into binding commitments, Turn itinto legal lan- guage, Tum itinto institutions”

‘Ms, lasak spoke about the limited resources all of the special mandate holders have in publicizing their find- ings, noting that the UN has only one individual assigned to produced press releases for the entire group of 50 some special rapporteur,

Inher case, Ms, Izsék has turned to social media asan alternate means of getting her message out, "Ihave my own Facebook and Twitter accounts butitisa struggle,” she said. ‘And organizing meetings like this one are very important”

Le rr

Prize-winning film sheds light on misunderstood minority in Myanmar

The cast and makers of Kayan Beauties at the Seth Annual Myanmar Academy Awards. The film won best dnemtography and best sound. Left to right: Nuwe Ni ‘Win, Nin Mai, Mu Tho, Aung Ko Latt, Hector Carosso, Rose Mary and Khin Mar Win.

ANGON, Myanmar — Often misunderstoodin their own homeland, members of the Kayan Lahwi minority are

knovm in particular around the world

for the coils of decorative brassrings they wear around their necks,

A film about their lives — Kayan Beauties — has recently received a series of awards and honors,

In April 2014, the film took a special jury award at the ASEAN International Film Festival in Malaysia, That same month, the film’s writer and director, Aung Ko Latt, and its screenwriter, Hector Carosso, were honored at the annual Layan tribal festival

Earlter, the flm won for best cine- matographer and best sound at the sth. Annual Myanmar Academy Awards,

The feature-length drama tells the story of three Kayan women who trav- el from their village to sell handicrafts in a distant city. A young girl who has recently acquired her first brassrings accompanies them, In the city, human traffickers ab duct the girl, So, far from home and out of their element, the ‘women find themselves involvedin a desperate search for their friend.

amember of ommunity, said

his desire to create afilm about the Kayan was very much motivated by his relgious beliefs, "Very simply, human Kind is ones’ he said, "Kayan Beauties isa movie for humankind, containing lessons and ideasfor all humans,

“No réligion accepts discrimina- tion, trafficking and selling people,” he said, "Also, the promotion of women’s empowerment is strong in the story.

It shows that in remote areas and vil- lages, there are real people; they are not somehow less than city people.”

‘Mr, Lattfirst visited the region some years ago to teach musicin the villages, He stayed almost eight months.

“From the very beginning, felt a strong connection to the people and to their culture” said Mr, Latt, "Through our conversations, Thad the spark of an idea for the film.”

‘Minority groups are, as a whole, marginalized in Myanmar, said Mr, Carosso, “and with regard to films, normally not considered. And the horrible reality of human trafficking is growing in every country of the world”

Odober 2015-Deaember2014 | 17 [Page 18]CC

In China, Nishan Forum examines global values in a changing world

IN BRIEF

• An international,

scholarly forum on world civilizations, held in China in May 2014, explored the need for a global system of ethics.

= The meeting compared and discussed various spiritual and moral systems of belief and thought, induding the Bahat Faith.

= An outcome document stressed the importance of “the full implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms" proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international legal agreements.

18 | October 2013-December 2014

Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Bahaji International Community to the United Nations, addresses the Third Nishan Forum in Jinan, China, in May 2014

INAN, China — Humanity’ increasing interdependence, coupled with closer relationships among people of all nations, offers

new possibilities for a global conversa-

tion about common values and ethics,

‘That was among the main themes ofthe Third Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, a major interna- tional conference held at Shandong University 20-23 May 2014,

Bringing together some 0 schol- ars, diplomats, and divil society rep- resentatives from China and abroad, the Forum sought to develop new ideas about cooperation and dialogue among diverse world civilizations ‘under the theme: “Common Human Ethics amid Different Beliefs”

The meeting was unprecedented in many waysin that it alowed an exchange of views between scholars who study diverse ethical and cultural systems and representatives of differ- ent faiths and belief systems” said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Bahai International Community to the

United Nations, who was participant and guest speaker at the event,

‘The Forum produced an outcome document, titled "The Agreement On Fostering the Duty Consciousness For the Human Welfare Through Civilization Dialogues,” which the par- ticipants had the opportunity to endorse

In its draft form, that agreement stressed the importance of "the full implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms" proclaimed in the Universal Dedaration of Human Rights and other intemational legal agreements,

‘The draft agreement also said: "We believe that, in order to maintain the respedt for human rights as well as for the diversity of cultures, we must foster a duty consciousness for the common wel- fare for human beings as a whole, rather than narrowly insist our ovm individual benefits [and] nationalist interests”

‘The Forum's program explored a wide range of topics related to religion, ethics, and globalization,

‘Ms, Dugal participated at numerous sessions during the Forum, induding

ONE COUNTRY [Page 19]the giving of dosing remarks, in which she summarized some of the main themes of the event.

“Thousands of years of intellectual and social history — and the moral and ethical development that hasbeen achieved over that timespan — have brought us to the point where we can gather here today to explore, to imagine, and to articulate the elements ofan ethic that will promote human flourishing,” said Ms, Dugal,

A“global conversation”

"The possibility ofa truly global conver sation has for the first time ap- peared on our horizon, Not only can ‘we see our physical unity represented in stirring photographs of our planet, but we have developed the technolo- es which make conversations about the contours of our shared future together possible

“We are, for the first time, part of a global conversation — learning together ‘what it means to be human,” she said.

‘Many voices, she noted, remain to beheard, And there are destrudive forcesin the world that are tearing apart old structures and attitudes, such, asthe environmental crisis, corruption, estremes of wealth and poverty, and the exploitation of women and children,

“At the same time, we witness the sweeping forces of integration, drav- ing diverse groups together, forging a sense of world citizenship, and open- ing new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration," said Ms, Dugal.

“Itis dearer than ever that our reality ashumman beingsis one thatis deeply rooted in relation ships — in our relationship with fellow hurman beings, within the family, the commu- nity, the nation, the global community, with the natural environment, and, for many of us, with anotion of God, or of Heaven, or transcendence,” she satd

Other Bahai participants included Hoda Mahmoudi, holder of the Bahdf Chair for World Peace atthe University of Maryland, and David Palmer, asso date professor of sociol- ogy at the University of Hong Kong

kk Z_ULULUlt—~<“‘“‘COCSO

Design of Colombian House of Worship unveiled

The design of the central edifice of the local Bah 4{ House of Worship, to be built in Note Del Cauca Colombia, was unveiled in September 2014

ORTE DEL CAUCA, Colombia — The design for the local Bahéi House of ‘Worship in the Norte del

Cauca region of Colombia was un-

veiled ata meeting in September at the

site designated for its construction,

A smnall team from the Colombian architectural firm CUNA presented the approved plans before an atidience of 500 people from the region and else- where on 1g September 2014,

Eduard Lopez, one ofthe architects, described the design process, He satd the design team spent many hours, over the course of months, visiting differ- ent communities and groups listening to their ideas and thoughts about the planned Temple, coming to understand their aspirations, and participating in their community building activities

"People tell us that we are designing this House of Worship, But itis actu- ally all of you who have designedit, and we are channeling your ideas."

‘Mr, Lopez satd the team studied the natural surroundings and the archi- tecture of the homes in the region in order to prepare a design that would be in harmony with the culture of the people and the physical environment,

“We chose the materialsfor the buildings with a number of variables in mindy" Mr, Lopez said, "We wanted materials that were from this region; materials that would not harm the natural surroundings”

The Temple is one of five local Bahai Houses of Worship that are planned in the coming years, The other locations are Battambang, Cambodia; Bihar Sharif, India; Matunda Soy, Kenya; and Tanna, Vanuatu, In addi- tion, two national Baht Temples are planned in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Papua New Guinea,

The lastin a series of eight continen- tal Houses of Worship is under con- struction in Santiago, Chile, The other seven are located in the USA. Uganda, Australia, Germany, Panama City, Samoa, and India,

Bahai Houses of Worship are dis- tinctive buildings, open to all, where visitors can simply pray and meditate in aserene atmosphere, or listen to the holy scriptures of the world’ religions being recited and sung, Each pro- vides a spiritual center around which agencies of so ial, humanitarian, and educational service are established for the surrounding population,

October 2015-December 2914 | 19 [Page 20]Doma Bae DEVETOPOENT]

Post-2015 forum calls for a comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment

IN BRIEF

+ A forum at the UN in December 2013 considered the importance of a goal promoting the empowerment of women in the post- 2015 development agenda.

= Panelists said there was “very strong and consistent support for a stand-alone goal on women's equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment”

= Current MDGs fail to address structural inequalities fadng women and girls.

• A greater emphasis

on community- based efforts, which operate at the level of culture, could help to promote the advancement of women.

20 | October 2018-Decem ber 204

NITED NATIONS—The

post-2015 development agenda needsa comprehensive goal to promote the equality of women and men, said panelists at a major UN forum on women’sissues and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Speakers at the forum, held 4-5 December 2013, also said the empow- erment of women and girls should be ‘woven into all other future goals for sustainable development and poverty eradication because women worldwide play a key role in stich issues and are eatly affected by them,

“There was very strong and con- sistent supportfor a stand-alone goal on women’s equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment,” said John Hendra, deputy executive direc- tor of UN Women, summarizing the first day of a stakeholder’s forum on “Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls — The road ahead”

"There was also equally very strong support for the integration of gender equality across all the goals, across the whole framework, especially in the area of sustainability and global partnership” said Mr. Hendra,

Sponsored by UN Women, the forum brought together UN ambas- sadors, UN agency officials, and civil society representatives to discuss progress on MDG 3, which seeks to improve women’s education — and to consider new goals for wornen after 2015, when the MDGs expire.

Panelists said the world had made significant headway towards achieving MDG 3, which specifically called for the elimination of "gender disparity in primary and secondary education” But speakers also said it did not go far enough, falling to address disparities beyond education,

“There are structural sources of gender inequality that are not ad- equately dealt with in the MDGs," satd James Heintz, a research professor at the University of Massachusetts,

Panelists at a stakeholder’s forum on “Challenges and achievernents in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for wornen and gitls — The toad ahead” on 5 December 2013. (UN Photo by Ryan Brown)

ONE COUNTRY [Page 21]Dr, Heintz and others said such structural inequities indude issues related to unpaid care work, repro duc- tive rights, pay and job differences

in the labor market, and pervasive violence against women,

Violence against women wasidenti- fied by anumber of speakers as an impediment to sustainable develop- ment and poverty eradication,

"On a daily basis, we deal with cases of women and girls being raped, girls being sold, forced into marriage, underage marriage, or girls being exchanged for a crime someone else has committed,” said Manizha Nadert, executive director of Women for Afghan Wornen, which has some 25, shelters or facilities im ten provinces actoss Afghanistan,

“The elimination of violence against ‘women is very important because it addresses every other single MDG" said Ms, Nadert, "Not being able to attend school is a form of violence,

Not having access to health careis a form of violence, So in the next set of development goals, I would really rec- ommend that violence against wornen is addressed”

Community efforts emphasized

Bani Dugal, the principal repre- sentative ofthe Bahai International Community to the United Nations, said one element of any comprehensive framework to advance the rights of women should be a greater emphasis on community-based efforts

“An important actor, yet one thatis seldom mentioned in relation to the development and implementation of development frameworks, isthe com- munity," said Ms, Dugal, an official discussant at the Forum.

“There is a tendency to overlook the relevance of community to hu- man development,” she said, adding that “community is also the locus of culture,

“Itisat the deep level of culture — of worldviews, attitudes, values and beliefs — where the most powerful and sustainable transformation can occu.” said Ms, Dugal.

Ei = @#&58»}§}§€=—l

Prime Mi

ister of Samoa pays tribute to

Baha’f community on 60th anniversary

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi with cabinet ministers and members of the Baht community of Samoa at the calebration of their Goth Anniversary.

PIA, Samoa — The Prime

‘Minister of Samoa has ex-

pressed his gratitude to the

country’s Baha community for its long service to the development of Samoan society

‘The Honorable Tuilaepa Sailele ‘Malielegaoi made hisremarks on 4g January 2014 during celebrations marking the éoth anniversary of the establishment of the Bahai Faith in the Pacificisland nation,

[take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the government for the important contribution that you make to the spiritual life of our country,” he said,

‘The Prime Minister noted that the work of the Bahai community, along with all churchesin Samoa, is para- mount in bringing out the best in people.

In aspecial observance at the Samoa Tradition Resort, the Prime ‘Minister also said the Samoan Government strivesto protect the right of all to worship.

"We are also very conscious of abuses of human rights and freedom that persists in many countries around the world: he said, "Aspart of Samods engagement internationally through.

its membership with the UN, Samoa endeavors to support efforts to protect the rights of people in various coun- triesincuding Iran where the Bahai Faith struggles through persecution”

‘The Baha’ Faith was first estab- lished in Samoa in 1954 with the arriv- al there ofa Swiss-Australian woman, Lilian Wyss, The Samoan Head of State from 1962-2007, His Highness Susuga ‘Malietoa Tanumafili Il, became the first reigning sovereign to accept the Baht Faith, He dedicated the Baha House of Worship in TNapapata in 1984. A special commemorative ser- vice washeld there on 12 January for Rahéis and their friendsto celebrate, reflect and review milestonesin their community's development,

Armember of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahdis of Samoa, Peseta Demetrius Fo gasetiza Taofiga, said the events offered an occasion to reflect on the challenges and accom- plishments of the past six decades,

“Itis also an opportunity to consult on ways and meansto build better communities, and to continue serving Samoa and itspeople” he satd.

October 2015-December 201 | 21 [Page 22]Comes

Three high-level UN human rights experts condemn the destruction of a historic Baha'i cemetery in Iran

IN BRIEF

= Three UN Special Rapporteurs issued a joint press release in September 2014 calling destruction of a Baha‘ cemetery in Shiraz unacceptable”

= Iran‘s Revolutionary Guards began digging on the site in April, to make way for a new cultrual and sports complex.

= Despite an outcry from Baha‘ts and others inside and outside the country, the demolition was resumed in August 2014. Reports say human remains from 30-50 graves have been removed.

By August 2014, the Revolution ary Guards had poured a concrete foundation in a large excavation at a historic Bah ail ceretery in Shiraz, apparently to build a sports and cultural complex. Demolition of the cemetery, which began in late April, had temporarily stopped after the internation al media reported onthe desecration and other governments expressed concern

22 | October 2018-Decem ber 2014

ENEVA — One month after Iran's Revolutionary Guards resumed demolition of an his- toric Bahai cemetery in Shiraz,

three high-level United Nations human

rights expertsissued a call to Iranian fficals to do more to halt the destruc- tion, saying the action is an “unaccept- able" violation of freedom of religion, In ajoint news release issued on

4 September 2014, Heiner Bielefeldt,

the Special Rapporteur on freedom of

religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, the

Special Rapporteur on the situation of

human rights in Iran, and Rita Iasak,

the Special Rapporteur on minor-

ity issues, said they were “dismayed”

a reports that demolition work had

resumed in August

"Cemeteries, ike places of worship, are an essential part of how people exercise and manifest their right to freedom of religion or belief. Their significance goes beyond their physical presence” said Dr, Bielefeldt,

“Attacks on cemeteries are umac- ceptable and are a deliberate violation of freedom of religion or belief” he

added, "The government of Iran must take urgent action.”

‘The site, moreover, has particular significance to the Iranian Bahéf com- munity, Itisthe resting place of a numn- ber of prominent Rahéis — induding ten Bahai women whose cruel hanging {in 1983 came to symbolize the govern- ment's deadly persecution of Bahéfs

Excavation of the cemetery re- sumed in August after an apparent hiatus of several months in the face of an international outery that began in ‘May, shortly after reports emerged that the Guards had began excavating at the cemetery in late April.

Those early reportsin dicated that, with little advance warning, the Guards had suddenly dug up an area 15 meters deep and 200 square meters in area, and that go or 50 trucks were lined upto remove the excavated earth,

‘The Guards acquired the land about three years ago from the government, which had confiscated the site from. the Bahdis of Shiraz:in 198, at which time its grave markers were leveled and itsmain buildings destroyed,

ONE COUNTRY [Page 23]Subsequent reports in dicated that the Guardshave also begun to remove human remains from the site, There are some 950 gravesin the cemetery, and reports suggested at least 30 to

50 graves had been disturbed, with human remains taken from them and placed in an open canal,

‘The Guards have said they plansto build anew cultural and sports complex at the site, The plans reportedly indude alibrary, mosque, restaurant, theatre, child care fadlity, and sports hall

Attacks on Bahais in Guards’ speech

In June, the Guards held a public celebration of their progressin dear- ing the site, In advance of that celebra- tion, to which the media was invited, they used a heavy roller to compact the sound, A carpet was then laid over @ number of graves and the commander ofthe Guards gave a speech attacking Bahdis and calling the Bahai Faith a “foul” "perverse sect.”

According to Iran Wize, this same commander or another high-ranking official in the Revolutionary Guards of Fars Province subsequently stated, “We will use a vehement approach with those who teach about the perverse sect in this provinee,... Their religion, or sect, is not genuine.”

Atthe same time, Bahéfs in the province have given voice to their deep anguish over the sites destruction, In an open letter written to local authori- tiesin May, for example, a 50-year-old Bahai woman spoke of facing decades of oppression, capped now by thislat- est attack on aplace where the bodies ofher father, mother, and sister — who were all killed by the government in. the 1980s — had been laid to rest,

“Yesterday,..the cemetery where the bodies of my beloved family were bur- ied was dug up and the soil wasloaded onto trucks and taken away, 50 that no trace of evidence would be let of the crimes and atrocities committed by you over the past thirty years” she wrote.

“End thislong-standing rancor and enmity,” she said, “We are your countrymen, your fellow citizens, your neighbors, your Family, and your

umconecountyong

Revolution ary Guards’ planned construction of a sports and cultural complex, saying itll ndude a library, mosque, restaurant, theatre, child care facility and sports hall. This photograph, taken sometime in the surnmer of 2014, also shows the presence of building materials stacked outside the cemetery

relatives, We work for the dissemina- tion ofloves we adore affection and kindliness; and believe we all have a right to the life which God hasbe- stowed upon us”

In the joint press release in September, Dr. Shaheed said "Bahgis have religious rites and practices for the disposal of the deceased in their own cemeteries and the government has the obligetion not only to re- spect them but to protect them from destruction.”

Protection urged

‘Ms, Iasdk urged the Iranian gov- ernment to take substantive steps to protect religious minorities

"The Bahdishave been subjected to persecution and acts of violence," said Ms, lesdk, “The authorities must protect them from further discrimmina- tion and stigmatization”

“Measures should be put in place to protect and maintain the cultural heritage of religious minorities, includ- ing burial grounds and other sites of religious significance," she added.

‘Members of the Shiraz Bahai community have pleaded with local authoritiesto enforce a permanent haltin the construction, offering also a compromise in which the sports

complex could be built on the site away from areas where Bahéis are buried, while the graveyard itself is tured into a green space, The Bahéis have been told, however, that local authoritieshave no control over the Revolutionary Guards, who acquired the land about three years ago

Diane Alsi, the Bahét International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva, welcomed the statement of the three UN officials

“We are grateful for the strong stand that these three independent hu- man rights expertshave taken on the sitwation in Shiraz," said Ms, Als

"The statement by Dr, Bielefeld,

Dr, Shaheed, and Ms, Iasék isa dear signal to Iran that these acts are com- pletely unacceptable, and that itis the responsibility of the government to uphold and enforce its commitments to human rights law, regardless of who the perpetrators are”

“The current government has made numerous promisesto improve its human rights record but failed to take action, Wordsmust now be followed by deeds.” said Ms, Als

Odober 2015-December2014 | 23 [Page 24]

Three Bahda’‘is stabbed in Iran, emblematic of widespread religious hate crimes

IRJAND, Irn —Tewasa quiet Mondby everargin Febrry thie proancal palin

acter Irn when aman ur smptitoudly entered the home ofthe ‘Moods fa

He waswearrga mck

‘Ande remediate moved onthe attack, sablirg Ghedratllh Mood, swale, Touba Salachou and their daughter AraraMoodt

Fb then quickly let wahout steal

rez fromblod bs.

(Ms. Med, dente cep wound of Ierown,wasableto phone or help, sal ane were oan tae tthe Iogptal Inertial cncion at fst ‘dey eventually moovere.

“The whole episode, which occurred on February 2o.g reflec the degree to whch hate cmesagamstInanan Badishane bee allowed to flch snucent years under agpvernicent AHatstoel wae diseases ant Bahdl propaga in the sae-com- swolednewsmeda

Diare ala, the Babi Interational CConranatys presente t the ‘Unted Natonsin Gereva noted that tHe atacker sole rotting — and his only goal appears to have been 12H ‘Uree nrooant Basin ther hore.

“Rs such there can be no doubt that shiscrme wes eigiusly moat Mi Moca wee well now ea leader sn the Baba corarmatyin Bre

“The sad facts that there ve ‘een more than jo physical season, Iranian Bakdis sce 2005 — ard nore ofthe stacker fas een prosecuted corotherwise brought justice. And at

2 | Ook 208 Dene 04

‘The Mood family shown coating at ome, aera stabbing atckinBijand, Iran on 3 February 2014. The arm of zara cod cane vib bandaged. Ho fone hasbeen brought jusice fr the atack which sent all hee to the hospital

lrastnire Bais have been racked suds suppeions car umetaees inthe sane pered and the mnderers ave kewise enjoyed impunity

‘Ms Alsinoted for exareple that 2 Baldisn Bandar Abbarwaskikedon ‘44 Angust acts — ard that poli ave jet to change anpone with the crane. ‘Mr. taellah Rervan, who wasals> leader inthe Babi conmnrityn ie Ieeality wesmmurckred m hisown car by agurchotto the bead

In xidtion to those twoatacks, the Iransn Baba coraramity he fae numerous tacks on ts cemeteries smuecent yas — mere than 4p nce 2205 — ard Babdis have faced threats sreldecrmmaton toughen the county,

Tn June 2014 in Yaad for exaep, someone anoynotely dotibued kat laascalirg Bahiis "godless! sugpestng stwesareligousduyte stock thar

properties. Thelesfetsappearedon the ‘ref an important Shite holy dy,

Tn areport sued in Cctoher acm, ‘he Bah Inerzotinral Corsmunsy cocunented mem than sas motnces of mts-Bahdi propagandh or Sate trertein the anian news media ot on government-contold or gre. sent. sponcomed welts between, Decertberacep and Mayan,

“That effort has contin and cm alysremacedby some measures. The BIC Eggedsoroe ssanti-Babiaricles snde Tania medi in Jamary 2004, a fgur that roe sey ncnth by rwonthculminainginat kat sssuch srtcksin fine

onecouwmy [Page 25]H UM AN a

In reports and resolutions, the United Nations expresses its concern over human rights in Iran

IN BRIEF

The UN and its representatives have stated clearly and repeatedly over

the last year that the human rights situation in Iran has not improved.

These expressions of concern come after Iranian officials tried to project a new tone of moderation and respect for the tights of its citizens since the election of President Hassan Rouhani in 2013.

But Secretary General Ban Ki- moon and Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed have found few improvements and voting by the General Assembly and Human Rights Council suggest the international community is unconvinced.

Concerns include the high rate

of executions,

the treatment

of women, and discrimintion against ethnic and religious minorities, including the Baha'is.

EW YORK — Ina series of

reports and resolutions issued

from late 2013 through the end

of 2014, the United Nations and its special representatives have made clear that the human rights situa- tion in Iran has not improved, amount- ing to a collective call for Iran to take steps to meet international obligations to respect the rights of its citizens.

These expressions of concern stand in sharp contrast to the statements and promises made by Iranian officials, who have sought since the election of President Hassan Rouhani in mid- 2013 to portray Iran has moderate and cooperative in the face of interntional concern over its human rights policies.

The most recent of such expres- sions of concern came in December 2014, with the passage in the General Assembly of a six-page resolution enu- merating the violations made by Iran recently and calling for it to allow UN monitors to visit the country.

‘The resolution, which passed by a vote of 83 to 35, with 68 abstentions, expressed “deep concern at serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations” in Iran, listing the high frequency of executions, torture, re- strictions on freedom of assembly and expression, the targeting of journal- ists, pervasive gender inequality, and religious discrimination — including against Iranian Baha'is — as among the Assembly’s concerns.

The resolution — the 27th such in the General Assembly since 1985 — followed strongly worded reports from UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon and Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed, who both expressed alarm over broad and continuing human rights violations in Iran.

Mr. Ban’s report, issued in September 2014, said there have been no improvements in the human rights situation for religious and ethnic

minorities. “Religious minorities such as Bahdis and Christians face viola- tions entrenched in law and in prac- tice,” he wrote.

Dr. Shaheed, the UN’s special investigator on human rights in Iran, also issued a report in September 2014. It discussed a wide range of violations, from the lack of legal due process, especially for executions, and “con- tinuing arbitrary arrests, detention and prosecutions of individuals for exercis- ing their fundamental rights”

Dr. Shaheed devoted several para- graphs to the ongoing persecution of Iranian Bah@is, noting that they face wide-ranging discrimination in educa- tion and work, and that more than 100 Bahd@is are in prison.

Promises of moderation

In September 2013, Iranian President Rouhani, who had been elected just three months before, came to the United Nations with a mes- sage of tolerance and moderation. His UN speech mentioned those words frequently — leading to this headline in the New York Times: “Iran's New President Preaches Tolerance in First UN Appearance.”

“Human society should be elevated from a state of mere tolerance to that of collective collaboration,” said President Rouhani on 24 September 2013. “We should not just tolerate oth- ers. We should rise above mere toler- ance and dare to work together.”

In other speeches, President Rouhani promised to put forward anew “Charter of Citizen’s Rights” for Iranians that would, according to published reports, “call for equality for all citizens without discrimination based on race, religion or sex” as well as “greater freedom for political parties and minorities”

October 2013-December 2014 [Page 26]

Unknown attackers destroyed portions of the Baha'l cemetery in Sanandaj,

Iran, sometime in the morning of 12 December 2013. As the photographs above indicate, the morgue, where bodies are washed, along with the prayer

room, a water tank, and the walls of the cemetery were destroyed. Since 2005, there have been at least 42 attacks on Baha cemeteries in Iran.

October 2013 reports.

In Getober 208, however, Secretary- General Ban issued a report on the situ ation of human rights in Iran, express- ing concern over a wide range of issues, including reperts of torture, amputa- tions, flogging, increased application of the death penalty, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials

‘Mr, Ban also said he continues to receive reports that ethnic and religious minorities continue to face discrimina- tion, citing also reports of "widespread and entrenched discrimination faced by members of the Bahai community"

Dr, Shaheed, in his October 2013, report, indicated that despite recent sig- nals by Iran that it intendsto improve onitshuman rightsrecord, there had been little evidence of change.

Among other things, Dr, Shaheed expressed concern over Iran's high level of executions, continuing dis- crimination against women and ethnic minorities, poor prison conditions, and limits on freedom of expression and association.

He also said that religious noritiesin Iran, induding Bahdis,

26 | October 201% December 2014

Christians, Sunni Muslims, and others, “are increasingly subjected to various forms of legal discrimination, indud- ing in employment and education, and often face arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment”

He said, moreover, there “appears to be an escalating pattern of system atichuman rights violations targeting members of the Bahgi community, who face arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, national security charges for active involvement in reli- sous affairs, restrictions on religious Practice, dental of higher education, obstades to State employment and abuses within schools”

2013 General Assembly Resolution

In December 2013, the General Assembly expressed "deep concern” over Iran’ continued use of torture and itshigh rate of executions, noting the “high frequency of the carrying out of the death penalty in the absence of internationally recognized safeguards” Italso noted "widespread and serious

restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and of opinion and expression.” the "spstern-

atic targeting and harassment of human rights defenders” and "pervasive gender inequality and violence against women.”

‘The 201 restlution also expressed concern about discrimination against ethnicand réligious minorities, noting "severe limitation sand restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, consdence, religion or belief” affeding "Christians, Jews, Sufi Mudims, Sunni Muslims and ‘Zoroastrians and their defenders”

‘The resolution devoted three paragraphs tothe situation of Iranian. Rahéfs, noting their “continued perse- ution” induding “targeted attacks and murders, without proper investigation to hold those responsible accountable, arbitrary arrests and detention, the restriction of access to higher education, on the basis of religion, the continued imprisonment of the leadership of the Iranian Bahai community, the closure of Bahdi-owmed businesses and the de facto criminalization of membership in the Bah faith.”

2014 Human Rights Council

In March 2014, Mr, Ban and Dr, Shaheed again issued reports, this time to the Human Rights Cound

Dr, Shaheed’s report said President Rouhant’s draft Charter of Citizen’s Rights, which had been promul- gated by the office ofthe President in November 208, ‘falls short of strengthening protections for the equal enjoyment of human rightsfor women and members of the country’sreligious and ethnic minority communities."

“Italso fails to address the use of cruel, inhumane or degrading punish- ment, induding flogging, hanging, stoning and amputation.”

“The charter doesnot ban the execution of juveniles and also falls to address concerns about the use of capital punishment, in particular for offenses that do notmeet the standards for most serious crimes under interna- tional lave" Dr, Shaheed said,

On 28 March, the Coundil voted to extend Dr, Shaheed’s mandate asits special investigator on Iran,

ONE COUNTRY [Page 27]Review: To Light a Candle

Candle, continued from page 28 to do with the reality of the Bahéi Faith and its community.”

Roth Dr, Akhavan and Mr, Bahari acknowledged, however, that in recent years increasing numbers of Iranians have changed their minds about the Bahai community,

“Many people are learning from the Bahéis,” Mr, Bahari said, adding thet, in the past, Iranians "were indifferent to the fate of the Bahdis, We didn't care to care... find it sham efil we didn’thear about any Bahéis being Kidnapped and killed.”

“People will eventually reconcile with, that shameful past” Mr, Bahari said, "Most young Iranians today have Bahai friends despite the fact the government ‘continues to harass them and portray them in the same negative light."

“For me — and thisis one of the reasons] wanted to make this docu- mentary — the Bahdis are a barometer for what's going on in Iran, Ifthe coun- try opens upa little, perhaps through a reformist government, the Bahdis are

given certain freedoms, When society ismore repressed, it’s the Bahdis who are the first victims”

“Bahd’s are a barometer for what's going on in Iran... When society Is more repressed, it's the Bahd’s who are the first victims.”

— Maziar Bahari

‘Mr, Bahari used the premiere to announce an international "Education is Not a Crime Day" to be marked

on 22 February 2015, which he hopes, will raise awareness of the right to education,

“These sorts of international events, ‘which focus on some of the key themes the documentary raises, are not only instrumental in drawing attention to the hardships the Bahéishave had to endure over many decades in Iran, they incite positive change.

“While Bahdis continue to face in- justice, and as long as Iranian authori- ties treat them as second-class citizens, much remainsto be done,” he satd

Sri Lanka youth conference shows global concern of young people

Youth continued from pages and asked to respond to the idea of empowerment," said Mr, Perell, "We found that youth — regardless of their background — were able to articulate themes of empowerment, opportunity, and service in creative and profound ‘ways, It was inspirational to all in- volved and, we hope, will stay with, the participants asthey continue their efforts to better their communities”

‘Mr, Perell said the Bahé International Community felt it was importantto be atthe Colombo Conference because of the importance of young people in shaping humanity's future — but also its present,

“The period of youth isinereas- ingly recognized by the international community as a key time in people’s lives around the world, because of the forces they can release into their com- munities, History, recent and ancient,

teaches us the impact of youth on their societies, How to channel the energy is akey question we must all grapple with,” said Mr, Perell

‘Mr, Perell noted that the Bahdis around the world have organized a number of programs aimed atfo ter- ing among young people the impor- tance of serving their communities and approaching life with an attitude of leaning

“Last pear, for example, the world- wide Baha community organized 114 youth conferences,” said Mr, Perell. "These drew more than 80,000 young people, both Bahéis and youth from other religions and no religion alike, where they discussed things like how they can contribute to the betterment of society and what itmeansto serve their communities”

ONE COUNTRY

‘ONE COUNTRY is published by the Baht International Community, an international non-governmental orgenizaton which encompasses and represents the worldwide membership ofthe Baha' Fath

For more information on the stories in this newsletter, or any aspect ofthe Baha’ International Community and its work, please contact

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‘© 214 by The Baha! International Community /198N 10189300

Printed using soy-based inks on paper from sustainable forests

October 2015-December 20% | 27 [Page 28]Ce

Documentary film charts Iranian Baha‘is’ peaceful response to oppression

To Light a Candle documentary film, telling the academics barred from pursuing their ~ Ail by Maziar Bahari stony of the Bahdis of rm and _-prafesdems alert to educate young fees eaten of state-sponsored persecution, had its ‘The premiere of the film was fol- sgeegeuetoagagen meas epee ct ones lacie pa at acy aemeit Se tee ae eee Been ha oe IN BRIEF Bahifis who, in the face of system-

im, premiering in London and elsewhere in fall 2014, explores

the constructive resilience of Iran's young Baha‘ts in the face of government efforts to bar

‘them from higher

developed an informal arangement mown asthe Bebé Institute of Higher Education (BIB, through which they could have access to university level “Its « beaubifl and simply tld documentary that vill hopefully draw attention to an issue thatisin and out of the news only very sparadicaly? said actor and comedian Omid Djalil,

Se ‘who introduced the screening at the + The filmmaker, Hackney Pictarehouse in London. Maziar Baharia The fm has been made by ac- former reporter for claimed journalist and filmmaker Newsweek. was ‘Maziar Bahari, He was Newsweek's Iran A still photograph promoting Maziar

ned repatta fiom ype tozoniani has Bahatlsnew fy fo Ught a care Produced amuanber ef ther docu which examines the efforts of orion Trent fas sbout ran in2009 be ahi to ebain higher educatonin vreshimelfimpeisoned in ranfor sé theface fa government bon on thet dys apparely because cfhiscover-_enolmentin unversty agp of the 2009 presidential election,

Althavan. “Tn order to justify the widespread “The story needed «level-headed _tepression in Iranian society, meneray journalistic appro and thats pre- needed to be constructed and this

cisely what it got” said Mr. Djalili who fell onthe Bahdis:” Dr. Akhavan said described the documentary as“both “The conception of the Bahfis that the estracrdinary and highlyemnotional” regime has put together is based on. The fm vividly documents that paranoia and hatred and has nothing the threat of arrest and imprisonment Candke, continund onpage27

28 | Oanber 2015 December 2014 �