Panel on 23 March 2023, 14:00 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Room XXII
The Christian community in Iran continues to be subjected to monitoring, to restrictions including preclusion from gathering for worship, and to arrest, violent interrogation and imprisonment.
To advocate for greater freedom for Christians in Iran, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Article18, Middle East Concern, and Open Doors International will launch their fifth joint annual report on Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran on the margins of the Human Rights Council and in partnership with the World Evangelical Alliance.
The report available on 23 March 2023 at https://un.worldea.org
In addition to UN experts, the event will feature 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. He and his wife were later sentenced to prison and forced to flee the country.
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