As a cross-communal student organisation which consists of, as well as represents, members of a minority group, EUJS stands against the mistreatment and governmental oppression of the Baha’i community in Iran.
For years, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjugated to a wide range of discriminatory laws and practices that have weakened and, consequently, marginalised members of the faith from the predominantly Muslim population in Iranian society. In 1979, the Iranian Revolution gave way to new laws which systematically stripped the Baha’i people of what most people would consider fundamental rights. These new governmental policies meant that Baha’i businesses were closed, people were denied access to jobs and children with rejected from the schooling system.
To say that this can be acceptable in any society, regardless of religious beliefs, is to walk away from the idea of human compassion, comradery and the constant strive towards collective human rights. To deny a group of people the right to work and be educated is to take away their dignity as a human being. To treat others as the “other” is to be blinded by hate.
We must continue to highlight this issue and encourage others to do the same so as to fight injustice. The details highlighted in this video are with big thanks to the former President of EUJS, Jane Braden-Golay and others who have increased the awareness of this ever-present issues facing yet another persecuted minority.
