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1125023

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sudan: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the international community on helping to ensure human rights protections for civilians in Sudan.
	tabling member constituency	Huddersfield
	tabling member printed	Mr Barry Sheerman
	uin	251228
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Human rights remain a priority for our engagement on Sudan. Since the removal of President Bashir, and the establishment of a Transitional Military Council, the UK has ensured that the situation in Sudan has been discussed at the highest levels, including at the UN Security Council and EU. We continue to engage with international counterparts across our diplomatic network to coordinate an international response that supports the people of Sudan. The Foreign Secretary spoke with Kenyan Cabinet secretary for Foreign Affairs on 3 May and Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on 25 April on the importance of international partners’ engagement to support a swift transition to civilian rule. In addition, we have ongoing discussions with our Troika partners (US and Norway), collectively calling for a transition that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law. We also continue to maintain pressure on the Sudanese authorities to respect the Sudanese people’s right to assembly and to avoid the use of violence.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/05/2019 14:24:17 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	411 label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman

1124925

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Colombia: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Colombia on the UN Human Rights Council report on human rights defenders in that country, and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	251328
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>I spoke to Carlos Holmes Trujillo, the Colombian Foreign Minister, on 26 January at the UN in New York; and on 4 February at a Lima Group meeting in Ottawa. On 9 May the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, met with Colombian High Counsellor for Stabilisation, Emilio Archila, and directly raised the issue of human rights defenders. We regularly express our concern to the Colombian Government over the fate of human rights defenders, and work closely with civil society groups to bring individual cases to the government's attention.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 15/05/2019 12:45:33 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1125126

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the safety of Christians in India during the current elections from reported actions by (a) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and (b) other Hindu nationalist groups.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251284
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251285 251286 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125127

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Religious Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to reports by Open Doors UK, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on anti-conversion laws in eight Indian states.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251284 251286 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125128

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Educational Institutions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on laws and legislation to close (a) foreign institutions and (b) Christian-led schools.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251286
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251284 251285 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125133

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to reports of prison sentences given to Victor Bet-Tamraz, Shamiram Issavi, Amin Afshar-Naderi and Hadi Asgari in Iran for practicing their beliefs, what assessment his Department has made of the safety of Christians in that country.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251290
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Iran's human rights record continues to be of serious concern to the UK, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has designated it as one of its Human Rights Priority Countries. The continued restrictions on freedoms of expression, religion and belief are deeply worrying. While some religious minorities are formally protected in the constitution, the reality is that many non-Muslims face discrimination. Despite constitutional recognition, the persecution of Christians has been continuous, systemic, and institutionalised. The Foreign Secretary ordered a review into the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. The interim report has been published and reviews the situation of Christian communities in Iran.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 15/05/2019 15:11:15 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125473

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Burundi: Freedom of Expression
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Burundi authorities on violations of fundamental freedoms in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast North
	tabling member printed	Nigel Dodds
	uin	251998
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Our Ambassador to Burundi, as well as the UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes regularly make representations with Burundian counterparts and raise fundamental freedoms in Burundi. Recent discussions have taken place at numerous levels including the Foreign Minister and have covered the international NGO suspension, the closure of the UN Human Rights office and the ban of the BBC, on which the Foreign Secretary has expressed disappointment and called for the decision to be reversed.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/05/2019 14:30:34 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1388 label Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn

1124988

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Religious Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the level of threat to the (a) Hindu and (b) Christian communities in Afghanistan.
	tabling member constituency	Warley
	tabling member printed	John Spellar
	uin	251207
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Security Forces are committed to tackling this threat. As part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission, the UK supports the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in its efforts to improve security for all communities.</p><p>Ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, such as the Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities, continue to face challenges. We regularly raise human rights issues with the Government of Afghanistan, including the need to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in line with the constitution. The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeting of innocent people based on their beliefs. Last year, I publicly condemned the 1 July attack on a group of Sikhs and Hindus in Jalalabad as &quot;a despicable attack on Afghanistan's historic Sikh and Hindu community&quot;.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 06:23:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	318 label Biography information for John Spellar

1124851

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sri Lanka: Minority Groups
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to assist Pakistani Ahmadi and Christian refugees, fleeing persecution in Pakistan and awaiting determination of their asylum cases in Sri Lanka, who are seeking refuge in police stations and elsewhere due to fear of targeted attacks on minorities.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15526
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>The British Government has agreed with Sri Lankan counterparts the need for inclusivity and respect for human rights in their response to the Easter Sunday attacks and underlined the importance of Sri Lankans working together to reduce intercommunal tensions. Minister for Security and Economic Crime Ben Wallace visited Sri Lanka on 2-3 May and reiterated these points.</p><p>We have raised concerns with the Sri Lankan Government at reports of incidents of violence and intimidation against Muslims, refugees and asylum seekers since the Easter Sunday attacks. We have also raised concerns specifically about the situation in Negombo, where approximately 1,050 refugees were displaced from their ordinary places of residence and are now being temporarily housed.</p><p>The British High Commission in Colombo is in regular contact with the Sri Lankan Government, UN agencies and civil society organisations who are working towards a sustainable solution, including to identify secure relocation options to ensure protection of both refugees and asylum seekers.</p><p>The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific and I have both met the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in recent weeks to raise concerns about refugees and minority rights in Sri Lanka. The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific also addressed this issue in the House of Commons on 9 May.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 16/05/2019 14:37:24 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1124855

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Asia Bibi
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 2 May (HL15272), what was the most recent response they received from the government of Pakistan about the right of Asia Bibi to join her family in Canada; and when they anticipate that this will take place.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15530
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>The British Government welcomes reports that Asia Bibi has been able to travel freely out of Pakistan and is now able to make decisions about her future.</p><p>We also welcome the Pakistan Government’s commitment to the rule of law, following the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision in January to uphold her acquittal of blasphemy charges.</p><p>Our primary concern has always been Asia Bibi’s safety and security. Since Asia Bibi’s sentencing in 2010, we have been in close and extensive contact with a range of international partners to support a positive outcome for her.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 16/05/2019 14:40:59 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool