May 14, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada remains deeply concerned by Iran’s ongoing, persistent and pervasive persecution of religious minorities.
“Today, on the fourth anniversary of the arbitrary arrest and detention of seven Iranian Bahá'í community leaders, we are again reminded of the troubling state of human rights in Iran.
“Iranian authorities continually undermine the right to freedom of religion by tolerating and even encouraging persecution of Baha'is, Christians and members of other minority religious communities. Freedom of religion is a universal human right.
“Canada is a vigorous defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world.
“We urge Iran to uphold its international obligations and allow for freedom of religion, and to respect the fundamental rights of its people.”
Tonight, May 14, 2012, members of Parliament from all parties will participate in a debate in the House of Commons on Iran’s horrific human-rights record.
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