A/HRC/22/48 visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his discussion with the Iranian authorities, the Secretary-General pointed to women’s underrepresentation in public, political and professional life and urged the Government to adopt laws and policies that promote women’s participation in decision-making positions. 23. There were mixed signs in this regard. In late December 2012, Marziyeh VahidDastjerdi, the first and only female Minister since the 1979 revolution was dismissed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad following her criticism of the Government’s handling of crises in the medical sector.17 24. The Government’s repression of women’s rights activists, particularly women lawyers, journalists and those involved in the “One Million Signatures Campaign” and “Mourning Mothers”, has continued. Many activists have been arrested, detained and given prison sentences and had travel bans imposed. Additionally, incidents of self-immolation and suicides; honour killings; underage and forced marriages; travel restrictions; gender segregation in universities; and restrictions on women’s access to certain university courses also remain concerns.18 D. Discrimination against religious minorities 25. Serious discrimination in law and practice against ethnic and religious minorities continues to be reported, especially of the Baha’i community. Although participation in community activities is a foundational element of the Baha’i faith and an integral part of their religious practice, in recent years many Baha’is have been asked, under threat and duress, to sign statements undertaking not to participate in their community’s gatherings and other collective activities. Such practices run contrary to the obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran under article 18 of the Covenant, which guarantees everyone’s right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In addition, Baha’is are also denied access to public and private universities. The few admitted to universities without their religious affiliation being known have faced expulsion upon revelation of their faith, and had their appeals systematically rejected by relevant authorities and courts. Economic activity in various cities such as Semnan, Aligudarz, Isfahan and Mashhad has also been affected by discriminatory policies and practices against the Baha’i community. In Semnan at least 27 Baha’i-run business enterprises had reportedly been closed by the authorities as of October 2012, leaving more than 110 Baha’i families without a source of income. 19 This has a serious negative impact on the right to work and the right to an adequate standard of living, both of which are guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a State party. 26. An ongoing anti-Baha’i media campaign resulted in increasing attacks on its members and their properties. This national campaign that consists of anti-Baha’i pamphlets, posters, seminars and the broadcasting of anti-Baha’i speeches on radio networks appears to be tacitly condoned by the authorities. In addition, anti-Baha’i speeches are reportedly delivered to different audiences, including schools, youth organizations and the general public. 17 18 19 8 See www.presstv.com/detail/2013/01/01/281171/officials-should-to-attend-to-healthcare/. In addition to married women needing husband’s permission to work or travel, the parliament is currently considering new proposals that will require single women under 40 to obtain permission from their father or a male guardian to obtain a passport or travel outside the country. Baha’i International Community, Inciting Hatred – The Bahia’s of Semnan: A Case Study in Religious Hatred (2012).