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Written question asked by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Eritrea: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recognition of four religious groups by the government of Eritrea; and what recent discussions they have had with that government about that issue.

Answer

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 6 August 2025 in response to Question 68341, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

We consistently raise human rights with the Eritrean government, including religious freedoms. We advocate for the end of discriminatory detentions based on religion or belief, as we have stated at the UN Human Rights Council. We call for all those unjustly incarcerated to be released. The UK's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea raised human rights during her most recent visit to Eritrea in April 2025 and the UK supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, voting in favour of his mandate renewal in July 2025.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12859
Session
2024-26
Related items
Eritrea: Christianity
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Religious freedom Eritrea
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk