Founded in 19^th century Persia—present day Iran—the Baha’i faith is the second most widespread religion in the world and has communities in most territories and countries across the globe. However, several governments in the Middle East and North Africa region engage in systematic oppression of Baha’is. Iran, Yemen, Qatar, and Tunisia are some of the countries where the situation for the Baha’i community is particularly challenging.

Anthony Vance, Director of the Office of Public Affairs for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, joins us today to tell us about the core beliefs of the Baha’is faith and elaborate on religious freedom conditions for Baha’is in the Middle East.

With Contributions from:

Dwight Bashir, Director of Outreach and Policy, USCIRF (writer and host)

Anthony Vance, Director of the Office of Public Affairs, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais (guest)

Scott Weiner, Supervisory Policy Analyst, USCIRF (contributing writer)

Gabrielle Hasenstab, Communications Specialist, USCIRF (sound design and audio production)