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Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock: "Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Bahá’ís"

Allan Rock and Lloyd Axworthy.
Toronto, Ontario, 5 January 2012 (CBNS) — Two pre-eminent Canadians, Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa and former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and federal cabinet minister, have published an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Baha'is of Iran.

Under the title "Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Baha'is", they write of how "deeply troubled" they are that Baha'is are denied access to university, and express concern that "the brutal regime in Tehran has turned a deaf ear" to the calls to end "systematic persecution of Baha'is".

Guelph Bahá’í youth win top video award from Tony Blair Faith Foundation

Tony Blair, Nadim Merrikh and Sahba Shahmohammadloo at the Faith Shorts 2011 Award Ceremony. © James Perrin
Guelph, Ontario, 30 December 2011 (CBNS)— Four youth in Guelph, Ontario have been recognized for an effort to make a positive change in the world through a musical video.

UN condemnation of Iran reflects growing intolerance for human rights violations

The UN Headquarters buildings in New York City. The UN General Assembly today condemned Iran for oppressing its citizens. "The Assembly's vote this year makes absolutely clear the international community's utter frustration with Iran's continuing oppression of its citizens," said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. UN Photo/Mark Garten.
United Nations, 19 December 2011 (BWNS)— Reflecting the international community's increasing intolerance for human rights violations, the UN General Assembly today condemned Iran for oppressing its citizens.

Parliament Hill interfaith breakfast focuses on freedom of belief

MP David Sweet and Baha'is attend the APIF meeting. © Louis Brunet
Ottawa, Ontario, 8 December 2011 (CBNS)— Some 150 people of faith, Members of Parliament, Senators and Ambassadors participated in the Third Annual Interfaith National Breakfast on November 22, 2011. The breakfast was organized under the leadership of Co-Chair’s David Sweet, Member of Parliament, and Rabbi Reuven Bulka of the All Party Interfaith Friendship Group (APIF).

Concerns for imprisoned Baha'i educators voiced in Senate

Senator Mobina Jaffer. "We must continue to stand up and directly face the threat presented by Iran to its own people," Senator Jaffer told the Canadian Senate on 1 December.
Ottawa, Ontario, 5 December 2011 (BWNS)— At the Canadian Senate enquiry into the persecution of Iranian Baha'is, Canada's first Muslim senator has strongly criticized Iran for its prosecution and imprisonment of Baha'i educators.

Senator Romeo Dallaire Speaks Out about the Baha’is

Lieutenant-General The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.C, M.S.C., C.D., (Retired), Senator Ottawa, Ontario, 30 November 2011 (CBNS)— Senator Romeo Dallaire addressed Canada’s Senate on Tuesday 29 November 2011 in one of the most challenging and detailed public indictments of Iran’s treatment of Baha’is.

UN strongly condemns Iran's human rights violations; European Parliament joins global outcry

The United Nations Headquarters buildings in New York City. The UN General Assembly Third Committee today voted in favor of a resolution that condemned Iran for its “serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations.” The resolution – which is expected to be confirmed by the full Assembly in December – also requests that the UN Secretary General issue a report on human rights in Iran again next year. UN Photo/Mark Garten.United Nations, 21 November 2011 (BWNS) — Using some of its strongest language to date, the United Nations General Assembly has roundly condemned Iran for its "serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations."

Bahá’ís join Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change

Ottawa, 27 October 2011 — The Bahá’í Community of Canada has joined dozens of other faith communities and leaders in calling for new approaches to address the challenge of climate change. This initiative is among the first to bring together such a large and diverse number of religious leaders to speak with one voice to an issue of social concern.

Baha'is Attend Office of Religious Freedom Consultations

Ottawa, 26 October 2011— On October 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird convened a special meeting of about 100 diverse representatives for a consultation on the Government of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom.

Canadian university graduates among Baha'i educators on trial in Iran

The seven Baha'i educators sentenced to prison are (top row, left to right): Mahmoud Badavam, Ramin Zibaie, Riaz Sobhani, Farhad Sedghi; (bottom row, left to right) Noushin Khadem, Kamran Mortezaie, and Vahid Mahmoudi.
New York, 18 October 2011 (Taken from files of BWNS) — A Baha'i educator with a degree from a Canadian university received a four-year prison sentence in Iran while two other Baha'i educators with Canadian university degrees are being held in prison without charge, according to reports received by the Baha'i International Community.