Campaign reply - Forgotten, yet remembered?

Thank you for contacting my office. I appreciate you reaching out to discuss the issue of Christian persecution in the world.

Religious freedom and proper treatment of women are two of cornerstones of the civilised world. The Government review into the persecution of Christians outlines the seriousness of the challenge, and makes recommendations for how the Foreign Office can better address the issue. This includes calling for action at the United Nations, including a Resolution to allow UN observers to monitor necessary security measures.

The Government has been working to address this issue, and have resolved to undertake the following courses of action:

 

•              seek a Security Council Resolution urging all governments in the Middle East and North Africa to protect Christians, and other persecuted minorities, and allow UN observers to monitor the necessary security measures

•              identify a label for Christian persecution, to better inform and develop tailored Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) policies in response

•              consider imposing sanctions on perpetrators of serious human rights abuses against religious minorities, including Christians

•              establish a stream of the Magna Carta Fund, dedicated to helping persecuted Christians

•              all Foreign Office staff – at home and abroad – should have mandatory training on religious literacy, subject to resources

•              British embassies and high commissions in relevant countries should deliver tailored responses to any violations of freedom of religion or belief

 

 

Freedom of Religion or Belief has been a key priority for the Government within our human rights agenda in recent years. Both strategically and through a focus on priority countries, we have not only raised the profile of religious persecution and abuse, but also acted on the rising tide of Christian persecution across the world with some success. We will continue this fight for one of the most vulnerable populations in the world.

 

Thank you once again for getting in touch, and if I can be of further assistance with any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.