Written question asked by Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 30 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Uzbekistan: Christianity

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Uzbekistan on in relation to reports of (a) harassment of Christian converts, (b) restrictions on house church gatherings and (c) employment discrimination against members of religious minorities.

Answer: The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all. Whilst the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not made direct representations to his counterparts in Uzbekistan regarding these issues, our Embassy in Tashkent regularly raises human rights with the relevant authorities in Uzbekistan and maintains a dialogue with human rights groups in the region. In Uzbekistan's most recent UN universal periodic review the UK raised our concerns regarding upholding freedom of religious belief amongst other human rights concerns and we continue to seek opportunities to raise concerns where appropriate.

Secondary information