Written question asked by Bishop of Coventry (Bishops (affiliation)) on Monday, 6 February 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 February 2017. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Monday, 20 February 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what political and financial assistance they are providing to strengthen and develop the structures and mechanisms for interreligious dialogue and co-operation in Iraq.

Answer: The UK Government promotes interreligious dialogue and co-operation in Iraq and the right to freedom of religion or belief for all of Iraq’s religious communities. At the political level, we urge the Government of Iraq consistently at senior levels to uphold the rights of all minorities. We also work to build international consensus on upholding freedom of religion or belief. In addition, we support practical projects on community dialogue with civil society and faith groups. For example, through the Foreign Office’s Magna Carta Fund, we have contributed £163,000 to support a project across several countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, to promote legal and social protection for freedom of religion or belief. This project aims to prevent intolerance and violence towards religious communities by inspiring leaders in Iraqi society to defend freedom of religion or belief.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL5247
Session: 2016-17
Related items: Iraq: Religious Freedom
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Development aid Iraq Religious freedom
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk