Mr. Speaker, Canada remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran.
Reports yesterday that seven leaders of the Baha'i community, who had been detained without access to legal counsel, have now been charged is very troubling. Addressing the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, such as the Baha'i in Iran, has been a consistent priority for Canada.
The adoption of the Canadian-led resolution on the human rights situation in Iran by the UN General Assembly in December again signalled the international community's ongoing concern. It calls on the Government of Iran to respect fully its human rights obligations.
Canada will continue to raise our concerns about the Baha'i and human rights more generally directly with the Government of Iran.