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<p>Conflict and instability in the Middle East and North Africa has made the plight
of many minorities, including Chaldean Catholics, a significant concern. We have witnessed
systematic and deliberate attacks against religious and ethnic minorities in the region,
and some countries tragically risk seeing the disappearance of communities that have
existed there peacefully for centuries. We deplore all discrimination against religious
and ethnic minorities and constraints on their freedom to practise their faith. We
regularly urge all governments in the region to ensure the protection of all religious
minorities. We encourage them to develop inclusive political systems that represent
all of their citizens. We also work proactively in the region to promote community
cohesion and inclusive governance.</p><p>On the granting of refugee status to Chaldean
Catholics, the British Government does not divulge which groups are granted asylum
in order to protect their identities. The Refugee Convention requires asylum to be
granted to those who are outside their countries of origin and have a well-founded
fear of persecution on return for reasons which include religion or ethnic origin.
The UK has a proud tradition of providing refuge to those who come here in need of
protection and we are ready to assist those who come here to seek asylum. The Prime
Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), recently announced
that the UK would resettle a further 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years
under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.</p>
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