Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
A/HRC/22/56 para 78(g)
Full recommendation
Consider the immediate release of prisoners of conscience such as Pastors Behnam Irani,
Farshid Fathi, as well as the leaders of the Baha’i community, and fully honor its commitments
under Article 18 of ICCPR that guarantee the right to freedom thought, conscience and religion,
which was accepted by Iran without reservation.
Assessment using Impact Iran human rights indicators1
A. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government of the Islamic Republic
of Iran consider the immediate release of prisoners of conscience such as Pastors
Behnam Irani, Farshid Fathi, as well as the leaders of the Baha’i community
Individuals named in this recommendation were released from prison after serving their sentences.
Pastor Behnam Irani was released in October 2016, after spending 6 years in prison and Pastor
Farshid Fathi was released in December 2015, after spending 5 years in prison. As the
recommendation dates back in 2013, it suggests that the Government of the Islamic Republic of
Iran has not considered the immediate release of both individuals. Iranian authorities regularly
arrest and detain members and leaders of the Baha’i faith solely for the peaceful exercise of their
freedom of religion.2 3 4 5
B. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government of the Islamic Republic
of Iran fully honor its commitments under Article 18 of ICCPR.
1. Effective legal protection of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief
of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in
1
CCPR.18.1.S.1; CCPR.18.2.S.1; CCPR.18.3.S.1; CCPR.18.4.S.1; CCPR.27.1.S.1; CCPR.27.2.S.1
CCPR.18.1.P.1; CCPR.18.1.P.2; CCPR.18.2.P.1; CCPR.18.3.P.1; CCPR.18.4.P.1; CCPR.27.1.P.1; CCPR.27.1.P.2;
CCPR.27.2.P.1; CCPR.27.2.P.2
CCPR.18.1.O.4; CCPR.18.1.O.5; CCPR.18.1.O.6; CCPR.18.2.O.1; CCPR.18.2.O.2; CCPR.18.3.O.1; CCPR.18.4.O.1;
CCPR.18.4.O.2; CCPR.27.1.O.2; CCPR.27.2.O.2
2
Center for Human Rights in Iran, https://www.iranhumanrights.org/2020/10/more-bahais-begin-serving-prison-sentences-in-iransimply-for-their-beliefs/
3
Center for Human Rights in Iran, https://www.iranhumanrights.org/2018/03/sixth-bahai-faith-leader-completes-10-year-prisonsentence-in-iran/
4
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 18 July 2019, https://documentsdds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N19/222/62/PDF/N1922262.pdf?OpenElement
5
See more: Baha’i International Community, https://www.bic.org/focus-areas/situation-iranian-bahais/current-situation
1