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<p>The UK Government works to ensure that Christian and other religious minorities
are not discriminated against during the distribution of UK aid.</p><p>The UK is committed
to delivering its aid according to internationally recognised humanitarian principles.
These principles ensure that humanitarian assistance is delivered to those who are
most vulnerable and most in need of this assistance. This includes vulnerable religious
minorities.</p><p>Vulnerable religious minority groups will experience crises such
as COVID-19 outbreaks differently. Crises are likely to reinforce their marginalised
position in society, their experience of discrimination, violence and stigma, and
further limit their access to essential support and services. For this reason, guidance
was circulated across DFID highlighting that inclusion must be central to our response
and the specific contexts and needs of vulnerable religious communities and other
vulnerable groups should be taken into account when developing practical programmes
of assistance.</p><p>The situation of minority communities is taken into account when
assessing those most in need of protection and assistance. This includes when a community
is being targeted or is otherwise vulnerable because of their faith. We actively consult
civil society including faith-based organisations to understand how best to support
vulnerable groups. DFID’s due diligence assessments ensure that all organisations
have the correct procedures in place to tackle any discrimination including religious
minorities. We regularly challenge our partners to demonstrate that they are doing
all they can to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people, including those from
religious minorities.</p><p>On 8 June, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of
State responsible for Human Rights, hosted a roundtable to hear from faith leaders
and faith-based development organisations about the specific challenges minority faith
communities are facing during this COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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