Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 September 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 September 2021. It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Afghanistan: Sikhs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic step his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of Sikhs in Afghanistan.

Answer: Minister for Human Rights Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon addressed the UN Human Rights Council on 24 August to underscore the UK's commitment to protecting the human rights of all Afghan people, including all religious minorities and others at risk of persecution, and holding the Taliban to account. The UK is formally launching a separate resettlement programme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, providing a safe and legal route for up to 20,000 Afghans in the region over the coming years, with 5,000 in the first year. This scheme will include Afghans who face a particular risk from the Taliban, for example because of their role in standing up for democracy and human rights or because of their gender, sexuality or religion.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44228
Session: 2021-22
Subjects: Safety Religious freedom Afghanistan Diplomatic relations Sikhs Taliban
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk