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
BP000 15 S
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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.
