Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received of the suppression of the economic activity among the Baha'i community in Iran; and if he will make a statement.

The treatment of the Baha'i community in Iran is of particular concern. The latest report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran sets out the suppression and harassment that Baha'is are subject to in Iran. This includes restrictions on the types of businesses and jobs Baha'is can have, unequal treatment of Baha'i employees, and seizures of Baha'i businesses and property.

The UK has consistently pressed Iran to improve its human rights record, both through bilateral engagement and with our international partners. We fully support the Special Rapporteur's recommendation that the Iranian authorities should recognise freedom of religion and belief, and that this entails the freedom to choose a religion or belief free from discriminatory or restrictive measures.