Human rights

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".

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.

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.

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.

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."