Statement Concerning Religious Discrimination in Iran

          
          STATEMENT CONCERNING RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN IRAN
          by Representatives of
          Non-Governmental Religious Qrganizations
          at United Nations Headquarters
          To respect the right of freedom of religious thought,
          association and practice is an essential measure of the
          development and maturity of peoples and nations. For the 154
          countries of the United Nations there are standards approved
          in the UN Charter and in the Universal Declaration of Human
          Rights, as /e1l as delineated in the International Covenant on,
          Civil Rights and Political Rights.
          On behalf of a number of Religious Non-Governmental
          ‘Organizations at United Nations Headquarters, we are deeply
          concerned over all violations of religious freedom wherever they
          occur. We feel it a solemn duty to call to the attention of
          United Nations agencies, governments and private organizations,
          as well as to our widespread constituency, the urgent need to
          be alert to the protection of religious freedoms. This urgency
          is of the highest priority when the very life and safety of
          individuals of a religious community are at stake.
          While most regrettably violations occur in several countries,
          at this time we are particularly concerned with the grave
          position of the Bahai Community of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
          We urge the Islamic Republic of Iran and all responsible agencies
          and persons promptly to grant the Bah.ai Community, as well as.
          all religious minorities, full protection of life, property,
          association and religIous freedom. We ask that religious freedom,
          whether specifically mentioned or not in a Constitution of the
          country, be extended to include the r lease of any prisoners
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          2.
          primarily held because of their religious preference and we ask
          for the return of or compensation for any confiscated or destroyed
          properties.
          As representatives of Religious Non—Governifienthi' Organizations
          at United Nations Headquarters, we shall always plead the cause of
          religious freedom and seek affirmative support of such freedom not
          only in the Islamic Republic of Iran but also in all states where
          it is in jeopardy. We deplore the suffering and inhumane tribulation
          caused innocent people by the persecution of religious minorities.
          For the Religious Non—Governmental
          Organizations at UN Headquarters —
          Norma U. Levitt, Chairman
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          • RELIGIOUS NGOs
          AT THE
          UNITED NATIONS
          We thepeopies of the .Uñitèd
          Nations determined to save..
          succeeding generations from the
          scourge of war, which twice in
          our lifetime has brought untold
          sorrow to mankind, and
          To reaffirm faith in fundam ntal
          human rights, in the dignity
          and worth of the human person,
          j in the equal rights of men and..
          women and of. nations large and
          LFrorn.the Preambleof the Charter
          of the UnitedNations ..
          • ••. .
          /
          ...I
          desired, please contact one -.
          of the Officers.. .• ... ..
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          INTRODUCTION MEMBERSHIP
          The Religious NGOs at the Participation in the Religious
          United Nations are representa— :. ... NGOs•is.•opento.therepresenta-
          tives of national and inter— five and alternate representatives
          natibnal organizations accredited. ofany U.N. accredited organiza-
          to the U.t . This ad hoc . fion defining it WQrk S:
          committee fir t began to meet religiou in nature .
          in 1972.
          In recent years representatives
          Religious NGOs meet regularly . . fromseveral Protestant,- oma
          at the: Church Center for the Catholic, Jewish andMoslem
          U.N.:j New York to share infor' - . . organizatjon have participated.
          mation and insights about the
          complex and sometimes confusing . A donation of $10.00 per organiza—
          events at the United Nations. . tj is invited to defray tl e
          We tL -y to look in two directions. costs of mailings .
          We discuss ways better to inform . .. : :
          and educate our constituencies ... • :.:
          about the global crises of our OFFICERS, 1980—81
          time, and the role of the U.N.
          Also we discuss how we can put Norma U. Levitt, World Union for
          some Qf our icjeas, and especially . -. Progressive Judaism,
          ourr eliqious and ethical values President 1
          ifltQ the world organization, c/o tJpj
          838 Fifth Ave.
          Oneofthe characteristics of . . . New Yor ç, N.Y, 10021
          the nembers of the Religious . . . . . .. ., . . .
          NGO 5 :-is the ability to -listen . Marjorie Keenan, Prospective,
          carefully to varying -viewpoints . Vice President
          an to engagein dialogue with .. . Prospective .1
          respect for each other's Opinions... . 106 West 56 Street
          There is-an intangible qualityH New York,N.Y. 1Q019
          of opei ess and trust and the . . . . . . . .
          impact-of this climate has been James M. Olson, . Unitarian
          felt by all of-us who participate.: I Universalist Association,
          Through the Religious NGOs . Secretary .. -
          members continue to grow together 777 United Nations Plaza
          as a group, as well s individ— . -. New. Yodc, N.Y..100l7:,
          ually.
          . , . •
          ACT IVITI ES
          Each year the Reljgipu NGOS
          •sponsor a rayer service t the
          beginning of-the regular s€. ssion
          of the General Assembly
          September. - ... - . -. . - . : •. - : -
          The nernbers collaborate on an
          annual assessment of the General
          Assembly session. This assess-
          ment is circulated throughout
          the rnember groups and.i delivered
          to the United Nations Secretariat
          and member—state delegations.
          The members also prepare state—
          ments at timeson specific issues
          and concerns when appropriate
          to events tthe U.N., ucb as Ofl;
          1.: Protection of Civilian
          Persons in-Time of War,
          2!.The New International
          Economic Order,
          3. . Barrassment of Diplomats..
          4, The Issue- of Zionism.
          5,- Eliminationof All Forms--
          of Intolerances and of
          - Discrimination Based on
          Religion or Belief,..
          The Religious NGOs meet on a
          monthly basis between September
          and May.