Dear Baha’i Friends, As you are aware, following recent political developments, great interest is being expressed by the business community around the globe in establishing economic relations with Iran. Companies considering such developments are presumably bound to adhere to ethical business practices everywhere in accordance with both their national and international standards. 

You are asked to request your Offices of External Affairs to identify such companies— in collaboration with relevant government agencies, like-minded groups and other nongovernmental organizations—and to develop strategies to approach them with a view to learn about their commitment to ethical standards in their businesses in Iran. As they gain greater insight into the social reality in that country, they will come to appreciate that these standards should include, for instance, eschewing any form of discrimination in their employment practices or their treatment of employees, be it against women or minorities. In this context the economic oppression of the Baha’is by the government of Iran can be brought to their attention. As these companies may naturally be looking to recruit hard-working, skilled and honest Iranian individuals to assist in establishing their businesses in Iran, the history of discrimination against graduates of the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education could be explained to them. 

This initiative, carefully conducted and well-coordinated, in addition to the activities called for in the letter dated 5 February 2016 addressed to you, has the potential to have significant impact on the economic situation of the Baha’is of Iran and will also be appreciated by many as a contribution to the betterment of the condition of Iranian society as a whole. 

Alongside the actions of your Offices of External Affairs, the Baha’i International Community United Nations Office will be undertaking complementary initiatives at the international level. 

Kindly keep the Universal House of Justice and the Baha’i International Community United Nations Office apprised of the outcome of your ongoing endeavours. 

With loving Baha’i greetings, 

Department of the Secretariat 

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