Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Religious Minorities: Land Rights

22 April 2021 · 4 other contributors · 9,188 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: James Cleverly

Foreign AffairsReligion & Faith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about religious minorities: land rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Baha'i community in Iran faces land rights violations, including the expropriation of farmland and homes in Ivel village since 1983.
  • Recent court rulings in Iran have denied ownership claims for many Baha'is, impacting their economic stability.
  • The Government expresses deep concern over the declining land rights of religious minorities in Iran and supports international advocacy for religious freedom.

Key requests to Government

The Government should continue its commitment to accountability for abuses against religious minorities in bilateral and multilateral efforts. Ministers are encouraged to make public statements on these issues and show solidarity with the Baha'is by standing up for their rights.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

The Baha'i community in Iran faces severe land rights violations, including the expropriation of farmland and homes in Ivel village. The community has endured legal challenges since 1983, with bulldozers demolishing homes in 2010. Recent court rulings have denied ownership claims for many Baha'is, targeting their economic sustenance. Additionally, there is a worrying directive from Sari's Commission on Ethnicities, Sects and Religions aiming to rigorously control the lives of Baha'is, including monitoring them and enforcing conversion. The situation reflects escalating persecution across Iran post-pandemic.

Other contributors (4)
  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Brendan O'Hara highlighted the systematic persecution of the Baha'i community in Iran, which constitutes the largest non-Muslim minority group. He emphasized that this persecution includes confiscation of property, land theft, and denial of basic rights such as national identity cards. Additionally, he mentioned the atrocities committed against Christian, Yazidi, and Jewish communities in Iraq by Daesh, leading to a significant decrease in their populations.

  • Nusrat Ghani Con Wealdenshire

    The issue of religious minority land rights is complex, with historical and legal challenges. It is essential to work closely with local communities and organisations to find sustainable solutions.

  • Sukhdev Singh Labour Co-op Birmingham Erdington

    In my constituency, Sikh communities are facing difficulties in maintaining their gurdwaras due to land disputes. We need a national policy that addresses these specific issues effectively.

  • Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

    I am concerned about the lack of progress in addressing land rights for religious minorities. The Welsh Government's recent report highlights a significant gap between policy intent and implementation. Mr Wayne David echoed the comments of other MPs and congratulated Jim Shannon for securing the debate. He noted that Iran regards Baha'i faith as unprotected infidels, resulting in persecution including imprisonment and execution, exclusion from higher education, and desecration of cemeteries. The situation was highlighted by UN Human Rights Council statements regarding new waves of house raids and land confiscations affecting Baha'is.

Government Response

James Cleverly

The Government support land governance for economic development and human rights protection, expressing deep concern over the declining land rights of religious minorities in Iran. They have taken steps to raise these issues internationally, including at the Human Rights Council, and continue to work with faith leaders to advocate for religious freedom worldwide.

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