Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 13 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2025. It was answered by Anneliese Dodds (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

South East Asia: Christianity

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help stop the persecution of Christians in South East Asia; and if he will have discussions with his ASEAN counterparts on protecting (a) Christians and (b) churches.

Answer: The UK Government champions, and remains strongly committed to, freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), our bilateral work, and our programme funding. The UK continues to hold countries to account on their FoRB commitments and obligations, including South East Asian nations, through our engagement with the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and at the UN Human Rights Council. This work is mutually reinforcing of our wider human rights efforts, underpinning our belief that human rights are universal.

Secondary information