Dáil Éireann - Volume 373 - 09 June, 1987

Written Answers. - Ba-hai Community.

Mr. Barry Mr. Barry

47. Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the intentions, if any, he has to raise the position of the Ba-hai community of Iran at any international forum, for example, European Political Co-operation or the United Nations; if he is concerned about the position of that community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan) Brian (Snr.) Lenihan

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Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan): We are deeply concerned at reports of continued persecution of members of the Ba-hai faith in Iran. Ireland has actively pursued this matter in the framework of European Political Co-operation, at the UN Human Rights Commission, at the UN General Assembly and in bilateral contacts with the Iranian authorities. A practical manifestation of our humanitarian concern in this matter has been the admission of a [914] number of Iranian Ba-hai refugees to this country.

We will continue to follow closely developments relating to the Ba-hai community in Iran and will continue to make known our concern as appropriate.

Dáil Éireann 373 Written Answers. Ba-hai Community.

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