28. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, after considering
the combined eighteenth and nineteenth periodic reports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in August 2010, expressed concern at the limited enjoyment of political,
economic, social and cultural rights by, ''inter alia'', Arab, Azeri, Baloch and Kurdish communities and some communities of non-citizens, in particular with regard to
housing, education, freedom of expression and religion, health and employment,
despite the economic growth in the country. The Committee drew particular
attention to reports regarding the application of the “gozinesh” criterion, a selection
procedure requiring prospective State officials and employees to demonstrate
allegiance to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State religion, and expressed
concern that it might limit employment opportunities and political participation for
members of Arab, Azeri, Baloch, Jewish, Armenian and Kurdish communities (see CERD/C/IRN/CO/18-19).〔Sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly, Item 69 (c) of the provisional agenda: Promotion and protection of human rights: human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives. The situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Report of the Secretary-General. Ref.: (A/66/361 ).〕

Discrimination on the basis of religion and ethnicity
The Committee notes that this Committee and the Conference Committee have on a number of occasions highlighted the seriousness of the situation of unrecognized religious minorities, in particular the Baha’i, and the urgency of taking decisive action to combat discrimination against them. <...> The Committee also notes that EI has expressed concern regarding the religious-based discrimination against the Baha’i in terms of access to education, universities, and to particular occupations in the public sector.
With respect to the practice of ''gozinesh'', a selection procedure requiring prospective state officials and employees to demonstrate allegiance to the state religion, the Government states that two positions have been put forward regarding the Selection Law based on Religious and Ethical Standards, 1995: one group proposed that it be abolished, with selection
decisions being solely based on qualifications; the second group proposed the amendment of some of the provisions of the Law. Both proposals were rejected, the first by a majority of members of Parliament, and the second by the Guardian Council. The Government states that the Law recognizes not only Islam but also the religions officially recognized in the Constitution. The Committee notes, however, that unrecognized religious minorities remain subject to the practice of ''gozinesh''.〔International Labour Conference, 100th Session, 2011. Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. (ILC.100/III/1A ).〕