Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Article18, Middle East Concern, and Open Doors International launched their fifth joint annual report on Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran. The report was launched during an event in partnership with the World Evangelical Alliance, in conjunction with the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, on 23 March 2023, at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.
In addition to UN experts, the panel featured two witnesses from Iran, Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz and Shamiram Bet Tamraz. As a member of the leadership of the Assyrian Pentecostal Church in Iran, Pastor Bet Tamraz allowed Persian-speaking Iranians to join his church, resulting in the temporary closure of his church by the authorities and his removal from the leadership. In 2014, he was arrested and held in solitary confinement, and he and his wife were later sentenced to prison and forced to flee the country.
The Christian community in Iran continues to be subjected to monitoring and restrictions, including preclusion from gathering for worship, as well as to arrests, violent interrogation and imprisonment.
You can watch the full conference here:
Panellists
- Mr Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Mr Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues
- Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz and Shamiram Bet Tamraz, Leaders of the Assyrian Pentecostal Church in Iran
- Mr Mansour Borji, Research and Advocacy Director, Article 18
- Ms Gloria Leccese, Senior Advocacy Officer, Open Doors International
Moderator: Mr Wissam al-Saliby, Director, Geneva Office, World Evangelical Alliance