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UN resolution on Iran sends powerful message on human rights

UNITED NATIONS, 20 November 09

The approval today of a strongly worded resolution on human rights in Iran sends a powerful signal to the Iranian government that the world is gravely concerned about how Iran treats its citizens, said the Baha'i International Community. The resolution, approved by a vote of 74 to 48 by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, expressed "deep concern at serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Baha'is celebrate the Birth of Baha'u'llah

11 November 09

On 12 November, Baha'is around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith. Gatherings are held in thousands of localities – in homes, at public facilities, at local and national Baha'i centers, and at Baha'i Houses of Worship. Baha'is invite their friends and the public to join them in offering prayers and celebrating with special programs, artistic performances, and refreshments

World’s major religions present action plans on environment

WINDSOR, United Kingdom, 04 November 09

Leaders representing the world's major religions, including the Baha'i Faith, gathered yesterday at historic Windsor Castle to formally launch a series of action plans involving their communities in a long-term effort to protect the environment. They were joined by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and HRH The Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in a celebratory meeting that emphasized the role religion can play to inspire grassroots change and make "peace with the planet.

Baha'is join global plan for "generational change" on climate change

NEW YORK, 27 October 09

The Baha'i International Community today announced that it has become a partner in a United Nations-sponsored program to promote "generational change" to address climate change and environmental sustainability

Trial of seven Baha'is delayed, no new date set

GENEVA, 18 October 09

Although the trial of seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned in Iran for more than 17 months was scheduled for today, when attorneys and families arrived at the court offices in Tehran they were told it would not take place. No new trial date was given. "The time has come for these seven innocent people to be immediately released on bail," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva

Trial of seven Baha'is in Iran scheduled for 18 October

GENEVA, 16 October 09

The trial of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders in Iran is scheduled for Sunday. However, defense lawyers have not received the standard advance notification required under Iranian law. "It is unclear whether the trial will take place on Sunday, or whether it will be postponed again," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva

Secretary general of UN releases report criticizing human rights abuses in Iran

15 October 09

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon yesterday expressed strong criticism of Iran's human rights record, voicing concern about the use of excessive force after the recent presidential election, the harassment of women's rights activists, the ongoing execution of juveniles, and the continued persecution of minorities, including Baha'is. In a 19-page report written specifically to address a request made last December from the UN General Assembly about human rights in Iran, Mr

Prominent Iranians call for religious liberty

WASHINGTON, 30 September 09

A best-selling author and an Oscar-nominated actress are among those who have called for religious freedom in Iran, including an end to the persecution of Baha'is in that country. Some 1,400 people heard Azar Nafisi, author of "Reading Lolita in Tehran," and Shohreh Aghdashloo, Academy Award-nominated actress for "House of Sand and Fog," speak at a public gathering this month at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. Both Dr. Nafisi and Ms

Music and the arts a highlight of summer gatherings

29 September 09

Singing was the draw at a festival of choirs in the Congo, while in Venezuela, both plastic arts and music played a key role at the annual Baha'i summer school. In the United Kingdom, the long-running Academy for the Arts gave 300 people the opportunity to focus on art, music, writing, or dance at a summer retreat

Ethics are 'missing dimension' in climate debate, says IPCC head

NEW YORK, 23 September 09

The inequities and injustices that are likely to occur on a global level because of climate change mean that world leaders must carefully examine the moral and ethical dimensions of global warming, said Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, chairman of the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "The impacts of climate change are going to be inequitable, unequal, and severe in many parts of the world," said Dr