HRW denounces the persecution of the Baha'i minority in Iran

Human Rights Watch on Monday denounced the persecution of the Baha'i minority in Iran as a crime against humanity.

According to the New York-based organisation, the Baha'is, Iran's largest non-Muslim minority, suffer arbitrary arrests, confiscation of property, restrictions on school and work opportunities and are even denied the right to a dignified burial.

The Baha'i faith is a relatively recent monotheistic religion that in Iran dates back to the early 19th century.

"The cumulative impact of the authorities' systematic repression over decades is an intentional and severe deprivation of the fundamental rights of the Baha'is and amounts to the crime against humanity of persecution," HRW said.

Although the intensity of violations against the minority "has varied over time", persecution of the community has remained constant, "affecting virtually all aspects of Baha'i public and private life".

"It is vitally important to increase international pressure on Iran to end this crime against humanity," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

Unlike other minorities, the Baha'is do not have their faith recognised by Iran's constitution and do not have reserved seats in parliament.

It is not known how many members the community has in Iran, but activists believe it could number several hundred thousand.