asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will express Ireland's concern at the continuing persecution of the members of the Baha'i Faith in Iran.
Written Answers. - Persecution in Iran.
192.
Ireland's serious concern at the persecution of member's of the Baha'i Faith in Iran has been made clear both in contacts with the Iranian authorities and in international fora on a number of occasions recently. On 9 March 1982 at a meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Ireland appealed for an end to the attacks on the Baha'i Faith. This session of the Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution, which Ireland co-sponsored, requesting the UN Secretary-General to enter into direct contact with the Iranian Government with a view to ensuring that the Baha'is are guaranteed full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. In January this year a démarche was made in Tehran to the Iranian Foreign Ministry by the Presidency (Belgium) acting on behalf of the Ten EC member states to express deep disquiet at the treatment of Baha'is and in particular the execution of leaders of the religion.
The Government will continue to follow developments affecting the situation of adherents of the Baha'i Faith in Iran and to use appropriate opportunities, in contacts with the Iranian authorities and in international bodies, to make known the concern felt in this matter.