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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 13 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 March 2024. It was answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 March 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tibet: Buddhism

Question

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make it his policy to support religious self-governance for Tibetan Buddhists.

Answer

The freedom to practice, change or share one's faith or belief without discrimination is a human right that all people, including Tibetan Buddhists, should enjoy. The UK Government will continue to do all that we can to encourage freedoms of religious and cultural expression in Tibet and across China. For example, we view the appointment of the next Dalai Lama as a matter for the relevant religious authorities to decide in line with those freedoms of religion and belief.

The UK Government consistently raises human rights issues with the Chinese authorities - the Foreign Secretary did so in February with China's Foreign Minister. We also regularly raise Tibet in multilateral fora, for example, in January at China's Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18450
Session
2023-24
Subjects
China Religious freedom Tibet Buddhism
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk