On Escalating repression of the Baha'i in Iran

B100529/2025

European Parliament resolution on Escalating repression of the Baha'i in Iran

(2025/2987(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–having regard to Rules 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. Whereas the human rights situation in Iran continues to deteriorate with widespread arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearance, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and systemic discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities;

B. Whereas members of ethnic and religious minorities, including Baha’is, face targeted persecution and barriers to political, cultural, and economic participation;

C. Whereas the repression of Baha’is is de facto codified into law and constitutes official government policy; whereas judicial authorities interpret vague national security laws to label Baha’is an outlawed religious minority and national security threat;

1.Firmly denounces the Iranian regime’s unrestrained and increasing violation of human rights, notably the systemic discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities;

2.Condemns the significant increase of arrests and detention of Baha’is in Iran; raises the alarm over the systematic targeting of Baha’i women, who account for two thirds of Baha’is imprisoned;

3.Expresses deep concern over the enforced disappearances of members of the Baha’i faith and the destruction or confiscation of their properties;

4.Calls on the Iranian authorities to release all Baha’i prisoners who were detained on the basis of their religious affiliation, and to cease all forms of harassment, intimidation, and violence;

5.Condemns the Iranian authorities’ systematic denial of education to the Baha’is; calls on Iranian authorities to immediately stop banning Baha’i students from entrance examination, enrolment process, and academic programs; stresses that denial of education constitutes a violation of international human rights law and contributes to the long term marginalisation of an entire religious community;

6.Strongly condemns the repeated desecration, destruction, and confiscation of Baha’i cemeteries in Iran, including the demolition of burial sites, and the obstruction of Baha’i funeral rites;

7.Urges Iran to allow the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the UN Fact-Finding Mission full access to the country; calls on the EU and Member States to fully support the UN Special Rapporteur and advocate for the renewal of the Fact-Finding Mission beyond April 2026;

8.Encourages the EU and its Member States to denounce and raise the repression of the Baha’is in the Islamic Republic of Iran in bilateral and multilateral dialogues, including at the UN Human Rights Council, and support mechanisms amid at documenting abuses;

9.Calls on the Council to continue identifying and sanctioning perpetrators responsible for serious human rights violations, notably the systematic repression of ethnic and religious minorities and women;

10.Urges Member States to launch criminal investigations into Iranian officials responsible for grave human rights violations, particularly under universal jurisdiction;

11.Encourages the Commission to expand technical and financial assistance for Iranian civil society, including for implementing organisations and calls on Member States to facilitate visas, asylum and emergency grants for those who need to flee Iran;

12.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, HRVP, the Member States, and Iran;