Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench) on Thursday, 24 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2024. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Uzbekistan: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Uzbekistan on their promises to eliminate restrictions on freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities and amending the 2021 law on freedom of conscience and religious organisations.

Answer: The UK regularly raises concerns about the human rights situation in Uzbekistan with the Uzbek authorities, including during Ministerial meetings. No specific representations have made been on the issue of freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities in recent meetings. However, the Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories spoke to Deputy Foreign Minister Madrakhimov on 31 October and raised wider human rights issues. We will continue to monitor changes to legislation that impact minority groups.

Secondary information