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Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Slovakia: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with European counterparts in the past 12 months on the impact of religious registration requirements on smaller religious or belief communities in Slovakia.

Answer

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights on 18 March to Question 119359, which I have included below for ease:

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. We recognise that every day, people around the world face persecution or discrimination on the basis of their religion or belief, including Christians. The UK's FoRB Strategy, set out by the Special Envoy last July, continues to guide our international engagement. We regularly raise FoRB concerns with governments worldwide and support locally led interfaith initiatives in regions experiencing acute religious persecution.

Through the UN, G7, and the Article 18 Alliance, the UK works with partners to highlight violations, promote reform of discriminatory laws, and advocate for individuals facing persecution. At the Alliance's fifth‑anniversary event in November, the Special Envoy called for deeper collective action and greater integration of FoRB into responses to global challenges such as conflict, development, and displacement.

We are strengthening coordination with international partners, including the United States and European counterparts, to ensure more coherent global advocacy and more responsive mechanisms to address emerging FoRB crises. We also work closely with civil society, faith leaders and human rights defenders to ensure that the experiences of those most at risk shape our policy and international advocacy.

The UK will continue to champion the right to freedom of religion or belief for everyone, everywhere.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1729
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Registration Religious freedom Slovakia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk