01 Apr

Posted at 17:53h in Uncategorized

GENEVA—1 April 2024— A groundbreaking report published today by the pre-eminent human rights organization, Human Rights Watch, states that the Iranian government’s 45-year systematic repression of the Baha’i religious minority amounts to the crime against humanity of persecution under international criminal law.

The new 49-page report, titled “The Boot on My Neck: Iranian Authorities’ Crime of Persecution Against Baha’is in Iran(link is external),” documents in incredible detail the discriminatory laws, policies and practices used by the Iranian government to violate the fundamental human rights of Baha’is in the country. Human Rights Watch said that Baha’is face abuses in almost every aspect of life, from arbitrary arrests and imprisonment by government agencies, to property confiscations, denial of access to education and employment, and even the blocking of dignified burials in line with Baha’i burial rites.

“Iranian authorities deprive Baha’is of their fundamental rights in every aspect of their lives, not due to their actions, but simply for belonging to a faith group,” said Michael Page, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch, at a pre-launch event of the report. “It is critically important to increase international pressure on Iran to end this crime against humanity.”

(more…)

21 Feb

Posted at 10:01h in Uncategorized

Krachtig Jong is a community project based in Mechelen’s Arsenal district that aims to unite young people. Founded in 2016 by two young women, Sara Ebrahimi and Kristin Salçuk, Krachtig Jong organises a variety of activities for children and young people from all backgrounds. These activities are inspired by the principles of the Baha’i faith, which advocates the unity of humanity and the cooperation of everyone to build a fairer and more prosperous world.

Krachtig Jong puts these principles into practice by encouraging young people to meet up and work together to improve their neighbourhoods. Considering that all human beings are one in their diversity, the project welcomes around ten young people from different socio-cultural backgrounds and beliefs in pre-youth groups and around ten children in children’s classes. A class for toddlers is also being prepared at the request of parents, who are fully involved in the project.

Here are a few examples of activities organised by Krachtig Jong:

– Children’s classes: in the children’s classes, the beautiful qualities of each child, such as love, patience, kindness and generosity, are highlighted. Various activities, such as singing, reading stories aloud, colouring, outdoor sports activities and much more, contribute to this.

– Family (neighbourhood) party: parents of children in the Children’s Classes and the youth group, as well as supporters, get together not only to find out what’s going on in the Children’s Classes, but also to enjoy each other’s company. Potlucks, music and art are also part of this festive gathering.

– Social gatherings: Krachtig Jong organises social gatherings to enable young people to meet and get to know each other. These gatherings can take place in public places, such as parks or cafés, or in private homes.

In this way, the young people develop a sense of pride and belonging to their neighbourhood, promoting social cohesion among all its inhabitants.