Addressed to:

• The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran
• The Governments of Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union
• International human rights organizations and media outlets

This is an urgent call for the immediate release of two Bahá’í youth detained in Kerman, Iran.

On January 8, 2026, security forces in Kerman entered the workplace of Peyvand Naeimi, detained him, and took him to an unknown location. On January 25, forces entered the home of Venus Hossein-Nejad, detained her, and also took her to an undisclosed location. On February 1, they were subjected to forced televised confessions under psychological coercion. Peyvand Naeimi was verbally threatened with execution, while Venus Hossein-Nejad remains confined while ill.

The human rights violations these two youth have undergone include:

• Threats of execution
• Forced televised confessions under psychological coercion
• Denial of access to legal counsel
• Medical neglect and unsafe detention conditions
• Forced disappearance
• Collective pressure and intimidation of their families

These actions violate international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Iran’s own legal obligations.

We call on the addressees to demand:

• The immediate release of these Bahá’í youth detained in Kerman, as well as any other prisoners detained solely for their religious beliefs.
• The protection of life of detainees, and protection from torture, or further mistreatment
• An end to tactics of psychological coercion, especially resulting in forced confessions from detained individuals
• Urgent medical care for those who are detained and ill
• Unrestricted access to independent legal counsels for all those who are detained
• International monitoring of these cases 

International attention can save lives. Please sign and share this urgent petition requesting the immediate release of Peyvand Naeimi and Venus Hossein-Nejad and all other prisoners of conscience.