I appreciate constituents raising their concerns regarding religious freedom and the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
The British Government supports the right of people of all religions, and non-religious people, to practise their beliefs in peace and safety. The Government works bilaterally to lobby host governments to raise individual cases and highlight laws that discriminate against people on the basis of religion or belief. Multilaterally, the Government works to sustain consensus support for United Nations Human Rights Council resolutions which promote freedom of religion.
The UK also supports a number of projects at grass roots level. In 2017/18, the FCO will spend approximately £760,000 on freedom of religion and belief projects.
In Syria and Iraq, where religions have suffered appalling persecution and violence at the hands of Daesh, the UK's main contribution to ending the persecution of religious minorities is by taking part in the campaign to defeat Daesh and return the region to stability and peace.
Last year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) hosted a conference on freedom of religion or belief in London bringing together inspirational speakers from across the world to share very practical examples of how they are working to build a more open society. The FCO has also made available to staff a new Freedom of Religion or Belief toolkit to assist officials on how to promote freedom of religion or belief in their local context.
Page last updated 14/08/2017
