Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many Christians have been (a) killed and (b) injured because of their faith in the last year in each country for which information is available.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Christians have been (a) killed and (b) injured because of their faith in the last year in each country for which information is available. [120101] Mr. Rammell: The Government strongly condemns all instances where individuals or groups are subject to discrimination, intimidation or attacks because of their religion or belief. In co-operation with non- governmental organisations active in this field, we monitor closely reports of religious persecution. The Government do not, however, keep independent statistics on the numbers of those killed and injured belonging to one religion in any particular country. We also believe that it would be extremely difficult to verify in many cases that the death or injury to the person was solely or primarily because of their religious belief. The Government continue to raise their concerns over Freedom of Religion in the relevant international fora, including the UN Commission on Human Rights. We also regularly make representations to the governments concerned on specific cases of religious persecution.

Secondary information