Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 18 June 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 June 2018. It was answered by Harriett Baldwin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Madagascar: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Madagascan counterpart on human rights for Christians in that country.

Answer: No discussions have taken place between the Foreign Secretary and his counterpart regarding the human rights for Christians in Madagascar. Around 90% of Malagasy self-identify as Christian, including the current President and most members of the current government. Christian churches are found in even the smallest village, and State TV regularly broadcasts programmes aimed at a Christian audience. We are unaware of any state abuses of Christians on the basis of their faith. Our Embassy in Madagascar attends regular human rights meetings in local multilateral fora and raises issues of concern where necessary.

Secondary information