UN Calls for End to Persecution of Bahá'ís in Yemen

The United Nations, through a resolution, has called for an end to the persecution of Bahá'ís in Yemen and the release of all Bahá'ís imprisoned in the country. This resolution, titled "Human Rights, Technical Cooperation, and Empowerment in Yemen," was unanimously adopted by the Human Rights Council on Friday, September 29, 2017, and was drafted by Egypt on behalf of Arab countries. According to the Bahá'í World Community, the text of the resolution expresses concern over "severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, including for religious minorities such as followers of the Bahá'í Faith," and calls on all parties to "immediately release all Bahá'ís imprisoned in Yemen due to their beliefs, cease issuing detention orders, and end the harassment against them." Diane Ala'i, representative of the Bahá'í World Community at the UN in Geneva, stated that the "unanimous agreement" of all council members regarding the dire situation in Yemen, including the persecution of Bahá'ís as a religious community, is the most significant aspect of this resolution. The report indicates that currently, seven Bahá'ís are imprisoned in Yemen, with little information available about their whereabouts, and one of them has been in detention for about four years due to repeated court delays. The Bahá'í World Community, in a statement presented to the Human Rights Council the previous week, identified "Iranian officials" as "supporters of these persecutions," stating that "credible sources" confirm this support. Meanwhile, Diane Ala'i believes that despite the chaotic conditions in Yemen, "Bahá'ís have always refrained from supporting any group based on the principle of non-interference in political activities, instead striving to serve all people." The resolution has tasked a group of international and regional experts with monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Yemen. This group is also responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of all potential violations of international human rights in the country. The text of this resolution was presented by Egypt on behalf of all Arab member states of the United Nations to the Human Rights Council.