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Written question asked by Lord Dholakia (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 4 November 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 November 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 November 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Yemen: Baha'i Faith

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of the repression of members of the Bahá'í community in north Yemen; and what representations they have made to representatives of the Houthis about freedom of religion or belief in those areas under their de facto governance.

Answer

The UK strongly condemns the mistreatment of Baha’is who are being persecuted for their religious beliefs in areas under the control of the Houthis. We are working closely with our partners to raise these concerns directly with the Houthi authorities and urge the release of detained individuals. We continue to call on the parties to the conflict for the human rights of all Yemenis to be respected.

I raised the religious persecution of the Baha’i community in my statement of 22 October on human rights. We continue to follow the treatment of the Baha’is in Yemen closely, including through meeting their representatives in the UK and lobbying the relevant authorities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL579
Session
2019-19
Subjects
Baha'i faith Religious freedom Yemen
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk