GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed alarm at the potential erasure of the Baha'i religious community from Qatar.
Reports of sudden administrative deportations and blacklisting of Baha'is of numerous nationalities, across different employment fields and ages, had previously given cause for alarm and led to the decimation of the Baha'i community.
"In recent weeks, this pattern appears to have been exponentially accelerated, giving rise to concern about the very viability of the Baha'i community of Qatar," the experts said.
Scores of Baha'is have reportedly been informed that their residencies will not be renewed.
There have also been reports of detentions, most recently of a Baha'i long-term resident who has since been released and given just a few weeks to depart the country after the family has resided in Qatar for four generations. In another instance, the remaining two members of a family resident in Qatar for three generations and already impacted by family members being blacklisted 21 years ago, running a successful business contributing to the economy of the country, have now been given just days to leave. In some instances, those being blacklisted and family members under the sponsorship of those being blacklisted face serious refoulement risks.
"After decades of the gradual, yet purposeful, diminishing of the Baha'i community, we regret that the authorities - far from desisting from the continuation of this pattern - have increased its tempo, raising serious questions about Qatar's demonstrable commitment to tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultural diversity," the experts said.
Only recently, a number of special procedures mandate holders welcomed a positive verdict in Qatar which articulated the deep commitment of its Constitution, culture and values to freedom of religion or belief, and expressed hope that these would translate into the lifting of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the rights of minorities, including Baha'is.
The experts urged the Qatari authorities to live up to the findings of that verdict and Qatar's deep-seated values by reversing this alarming trajectory and targeting of the Baha'i community.
