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Religious Minorities: Land Rights
22 April 2021
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
James Cleverly
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 9188
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about religious minorities: land rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.