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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 June 2025. It was answered by Catherine West (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tibet: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and (b) other concerns for the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists; whether he has made recent representations to his Chinese counterpart on these issues; and what steps his Department is taking to help protect religious rights for Tibetan Buddhists.

Answer

The UK Government stands firm on human rights, including China's repression of the people of Tibet. We have serious concerns regarding the welfare and whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.

We will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, and work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through the UN and bilateral engagement.  For example, the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively). The UK also joined a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.

We continue to do all we can to encourage freedoms for religious and cultural expression in Tibet and across China.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
56783
Session
2024-26
Subjects
China Tibet Religious freedom Panchen Lama
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk