HL Deb 05 December 2001 vol 629 c135WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they, or the European Union collectively, last discussed with the Government of Iran matters relating to the treatment of Baha'is in Iran, in particular the confiscation of houses, exclusion from higher education and the desecration of cemeteries; and what response they receive.[HL1499]

Baroness Amos

The EU sponsored UN General Assembly resolution on human rights in Iran, passed by the Third Committee on 30 November, reaffirmed international concern about the situation of Baha'is and other religious minorities.

The international Baha'i community has told us that any improvements in the treatment of Baha'is in Iran over the past year (for example, reductions in prison sentences) have been due to the fact that outside bodies, including the UK Government, have pressed the Iranian authorities over their treatment of religious minorities and Baha'is in particular.