27 August 2010
UN anti-racism panel calls on Iran to counter hatred against Kurdish minority
United Nation's anti-racism panel Friday called on Iran to counter racism and ethnic discrimination against Kurdish minority and women from minorities.
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination expressed concern at the exclusion of Arab, Azeri, Balochi, Kurdish and Bahai communities in areas such as housing, education, health, jobs and "from public life".
Eighteen experts from the panel said they were concerned at "the reports of discrimination in everyday life and statements of racial discrimination and incitement to hatred by government officials."
"While commending efforts undertaken by the state party to empower women, the committee is concerned that women of minority origin may be at risk of facing double discrimination," the panel statement said.
"The committee recommends that (Iran) take appropriate steps to combat manifestations in the media, as well as in everyday life, of racial prejudice that could lead to discrimination."
The panel's conclusions on Friday followed a regular review of Iran's application of international standards in a hearing earlier this month.
ANF / NEWS DESK
ANF NEWS AGENCY
