A new report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has disclosed that children from families belonging to the Church of Iran denomination in the cities of Rasht and Shiraz have been told they must either study Shi’a Islam, or leave school.
The Christian persecution watchdog accredited by the United Nations reported on Thursday that Article 30 of the Iranian constitution provides that government is obligated to provide free education for all children until they complete secondary school. However, CSW explains, the policy adopted by school authorities in the two particular cities effectively deprives children who are currently in primary and secondary school of education unless they agree to religious instruction that does not conform with their own faith.
“Their families were able to present a signed letter from the denomination that exempted them from studying Shi’a Islam. However, the authorities are now rejecting this letter on the grounds that the church is an “illegal organisation”, and are insisting the children either agree to study Islam, or go home.” Sources in the denomination told CSW.
CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas says in a release: “It is worrying that the education of so many children will be unduly interrupted until their parents agree for them to study a religion different to their own.
“Since education is the responsibility of central government, we urge the Special Rapporteur on the right to education and other key international human rights experts to make urgent representations with President Rouhani, with a view to ensuring the country fulfils its national and international obligations to respect the right of the child to education, and particularly to religious education commensurate with the convictions and beliefs of their parents.” Mervyn adds.
By Paul Dennis
