The UN Special Rapporteur expresses concerns over human rights violations against minority groups including Ahwazi Arabs

In his first report the Special Rapporteur is concerned by reports of targeted violence and discrimination against minority groups. Members of recognized and unrecognized religious and ethnic minorities such Arabs, Azeris, Balochs, Kurds, Nematullahi Sufi Muslims, Sunnis, Baha’is and Christians are reportedly facing a wide range of human and civil rights violations. These include encroachment on their rights tofreedom of assembly, association, expression, movement and liberty.

UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran has appealed to the Iranian government to create a culture in which the fundamental rights and freedoms of minorities and women are protected.

Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed urged Iran to refrain from repressing dissent, expressed concern about the deteriorating health of some prisoners, and repeated an earlier request to be allowed to visit the country.

The interim report – submitted to the UN General Assembly at its 66th session now under way in New York – follows concerns about Iran expressed last week by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.


To read the Special Rapporteur's full report click here:

http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N11/512/18/PDF/N1151218.pdf?OpenElement