Simin Fahandej is a senior international human rights advocate and Representative of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) to the United Nations in Geneva, where she has served since 2011. With extensive experience in international diplomacy, human rights advocacy, and multilateral engagement, her work focuses on advancing the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly in Iran and the Middle East, promoting freedom of religion or belief, and exploring the role of faith in fostering peace and social transformation.

Throughout her career, Ms. Fahandej has engaged with United Nations mechanisms, international institutions, governments, and civil society organizations to advance human rights and promote international accountability. She has represented the Bahá’í International Community at numerous high-level international forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Her work encompasses international advocacy, policy engagement, and efforts to strengthen global responses to discrimination, persecution, and violations of fundamental freedoms.

Ms. Fahandej has also contributed her expertise through research and consultancy work for prominent international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and the Centre for Defenders of Human Rights. Before joining the Bahá’í International Community, she pursued a career in journalism, working with leading media organizations, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Ms. Fahandej holds a Combined Honours degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of King’s College in Canada and a Master’s degree in International Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.