Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 January 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 20 January 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Religious Freedom: Christianity

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of data collected by Aid to the Church in Need, published on 3 January 202, which states that 100 priests and women religious were kidnapped, arrested or killed worldwide in 2022.

Answer: Promotion of the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) will continue to be a key human rights priority for the UK in 2023. A range of analyses, including reports from organisations which look at trends, informs our work and approach to freedom of religion or belief. We demonstrated the depth of our commitment to FoRB by hosting an international Ministerial conference in July 2022. We continue to recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside recognising the persecution of others on the basis of their religion or belief.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121018
Session: 2022-23
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Arrests Homicide Abduction Ministers of religion Religious freedom Christianity
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk