The Sabian Mandaeans (wikipedia) - one of the oldest religious groups in the world - are facing extinction, according to its leaders.
They claim that Islamic extremists in Iraq are trying to wipe them out through forced conversions, rape and murder.
The Mandaeans are pacifists, followers of Adam, Noah and John the Baptist.
They have lived in what is now Iraq since before Islam and Christianity. More on BBC
But it also happens in Iran and Australia, as this tells us: "In Iran, Sabian Mandaeans are considered by the country's conservative Islamic government to be "infidels".
Members of the minority religion, who are followers of St John the Baptist and number just 5000, cannot attend university or hold government jobs.The are not even allowed to handle food in public markets as many Muslims in Iran believe they are "unclean". Their children are forced to study the Koran, and there are reports that the women are not legally protected against sexual assault.
At present, there are 18 Sabian Mandaean families, including 22 children, in detention centres across Australia. Many recently received letters from the Department of Immigration, telling them they had 28 days to either accept a repatriation package to return to Iran or be deported anyway.
" More here