On 28 November 2000, a representative of the Ismaili Council for Canada in Toronto stated that to the best of his knowledge, there is no official discrimination against Ismailis on the part of the government of Iran, nor are there indications that the Iranian government tacitly supports or tolerates discrimination or violence against, or harassment of, Ismailis in Iran. The representative added, however, that there have been reports of incidents in which Iranian Ismailis have been subject to harassment by individuals or groups, particularly in isolated rural areas, in cases where such individuals or groups are intolerant of minority Muslim sects and have significant local power; however these individuals or groups do not necessarily have any direct connection to the government of Iran. The representative stated that he could not provide any specific examples of such incidents.

Additional and/or corroborating information could not be found by the Research Directorate within time constraints.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Ismaili Council for Canada, Toronto. 28 November 2000. Telephone interview with a representative.

IRB databases

LEXIS/NEXIS

World Directory of Minorities

World News Connection (WNC)

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Ismailism and Agha Khan at Heritage

National Council of Resistance of Iran

US Department of State Annual Report on Religious Freedom for 1999