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1314140

registered interest
date	12/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	International Organisations: Antisemitism
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the adoption by international bodies of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism.
tabling member printed	Baroness Altmann
uin	HL122
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/05/2021 answer text <p>The UK is an active member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and is represented by the UK's Post Holocaust Issues Envoy Lord Eric Pickles. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance cooperates closely with other intergovernmental bodies that include Holocaust-related issues as part of their mandate, including the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and actively encourages them and other international bodies to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 26/05/2021 14:34:13 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	4533 label Biography information for Baroness Altmann

1313609

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Staff
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff were based in (1) Hong Kong, and (2) China, in (a) 2018, (b) 2019, (c) 2020 and (d) 2021.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have interpreted the question to mean how many staff were employed by the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Department for International Development (DfID) in China and Hong Kong in each of the financial years, (a) 2018, (b) 2019 and (c) 2020 and as Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2021. All the figures shown are based on the headcount as at 31 March in each year. They include both UK Based Staff and Country Based Staff.</p><p>The figures below cover our Embassies and Consulates in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan. And our Consulate General in Hong Kong.</p><p><em>China and Hong Kong staff numbers 2018 to 2020 as Legacy departments. Then as FCDO in 2021. </em></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>China</p></td><td><p>Hong Kong</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p><em>FCO</em></p></td><td><p><em>DfID</em></p></td><td><p><em>FCO </em></p></td><td><p><em>DfID</em></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><em>2018</em></p></td><td><p>230-259</p></td><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>60-69</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><em>2019</em></p></td><td><p>240-269</p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>50-59</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><em>2020</em></p></td><td><p>250-279</p></td><td><p>11</p></td><td><p>50-59</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>China</p></td><td><p>Hong Kong</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p><em>FCDO</em></p></td><td><p><em>FCDO</em></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2021</p></td><td><p>260 - 289</p></td><td><p>40 -49</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 25/05/2021 14:31:57 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1313610

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Tigray: Armed Conflict
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of targeted killings of Ethiopian Orthodox priests in Tigray; and what action they are taking as a result.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL2
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>As the Minister of State responsible for human rights issues for the Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office, I tweeted on 11 May to express my deep sadness at the reported murder of priests in Tigray. This is one of a deluge of horrifying reports of atrocities coming out of Tigray. Civilians must be protected and the violence must stop.</p><p>The G7, under the UK Presidency, issued a statement on 2 April and a Communiqué on 5 May condemning human rights violations and abuses. The UK also condemned in the strongest terms the reported killings of civilians via a joint statement on Ethiopia with 41 other countries at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council. We support the UN's call for a &quot;zero tolerance&quot; policy and welcome the UN Security Council's 22 April Press Statement expressing their deep concern about allegations of human rights violations and abuses in the Tigray region. The UK will support the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure that their joint investigations with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission into atrocities in Tigray are independent, transparent and impartial and that those responsible for these human rights abuses are held to account. The Foreign Secretary, Minister for Africa and our Ambassador in Addis continue to raise human rights issues in their discussions with the Ethiopian government.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2021 11:03:31 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1313611

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Nigeria: Christianity
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of the murder and abduction of Christians in Nigeria; and what discussions they have had with the government of Nigeria about these reports.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL3
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>The Government condemns violence against civilians of all religions in Nigeria. In the North East, terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa, have abducted and killed individuals from Christian and Muslim communities. These groups target all those who do not subscribe to their extremist views. We are deeply concerned for the welfare of those still held in captivity by these groups. The UK Government is providing a comprehensive package of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to support communities affected by the conflict. We are also concerned by recent criminal attacks on schools in Northern Nigeria, which have targeted students of all religions. We continue to raise these cases with the Nigerian Government.</p><p>Intercommunal violence also has a devastating impact on affected communities. The underlying drivers of violence are complex, and frequently relate to competition over resources and increasing criminality. The Minister for Africa visited Nigeria in April and discussed increasing insecurity across the country with the President’s Chief of Staff, Foreign Minister and community leaders. We continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to take urgent action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2021 11:07:03 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1313612

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Religious Freedom
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of non-religious people globally and, in particular, in countries where the human rights of non-religious people are not being upheld.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <p><ins class="ministerial">Members of non-religious communities continue to be victims of harassment and persecution, despite progress over recent years with the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all. The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the severity and scale of violations and abuses of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all in many parts of the world. Protecting freedom of religion or belief for all faiths, and none, remains a priority for the UK Government. As the Minister responsible for Human Rights, I underlined these points at the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist’ Group Annual General Meeting on 24 May.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">I also work closely with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP. In addition to championing FoRB, Mrs Bruce represents the UK at meetings of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to advocate for the rights of individuals being discriminated against or persecuted on the basis of their faith or belief, including members of non-religious communities.</ins></p><p><del class="ministerial">The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. Promoting the right to FoRB for all, including individuals from non-religious communities, is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. On a country level, Ministers and officials regularly raise specific cases of concern, and discuss practices and laws that discriminate on the basis of religion or belief. On a multilateral level, we work within the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance ('Alliance') and other international organisations and networks to promote and protect FoRB for all where it is threatened.</del></p><p> </p><p><del class="ministerial">As the Minister responsible for Human Rights I underlined the UK's commitment to FoRB for all, in a number of international meetings in November 2020, speaking at the Ministerial to Advance FoRB and the Ministers' Forum of the Alliance. On 20 December 2020, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to FoRB by appointing Fiona Bruce MP as his Special Envoy for FoRB. Mrs Bruce represents the UK at meetings of the Alliance who work to advocate for the rights of individuals being discriminated against or persecuted on the basis of their faith or belief.</del></p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 25/05/2021 16:51:39 question first ministerially corrected 25/05/2021 17:00:48 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon previous answer version 2675 answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1313627

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Bahrain: Prisoners' Release
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Jau prison in Bahrain, whether they will make representations to the government of Bahrain to guarantee the safe, unconditional release of prisoners of conscience, including Hassan Mushaima.
tabling member printed	Lord Carlile of Berriew
uin	HL19
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <p>We regularly discuss the challenges of managing Covid-19 in prisons with senior members of the Bahraini Government and continue to engage with the Government of Bahrain to support its reform agenda, and to deliver on its international and domestic human rights commitments. We continue to monitor and raise the case of Hassan Mushaima and others, as necessary, at senior levels with the Bahraini Government.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 25/05/2021 13:16:26 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	1138 label Biography information for Lord Carlile of Berriew

1313628

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Bahrain: Political Prisoners
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to impress upon the government of Bahrain the need to comply with international law in connection with the detention of political prisoners.
tabling member printed	Lord Carlile of Berriew
uin	HL20
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <p>Defending human rights and promoting democracy around the world is a core priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and its diplomatic network. The UK government monitors events closely and we regularly engage with senior members of the Bahraini government to discuss matters of importance, including human rights.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 25/05/2021 13:15:50 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	1138 label Biography information for Lord Carlile of Berriew

1313629

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Armenia: Azerbaijan
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Azerbaijan about the continuing detention of Armenian prisoners, particularly in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement.
tabling member printed	Baroness Cox
uin	HL21
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>During recent visits to Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Minister for the Americas and European Neighbourhood urged both parties to work with the ICRC to expedite the returns of all prisoners of war. Our Embassies in Baku and Yerevan continue to raise this with the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UK Government will continue to support both sides in abiding by the November peace deal and to settle all outstanding matters through talks under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2021 11:05:54 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	3364 label Biography information for Baroness Cox

1313630

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Nagorno Karabakh: Cultural Heritage
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Azerbaijan about UNESCO's proposal to send a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh.
tabling member printed	Baroness Cox
uin	HL22
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>The Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas has emphasised the importance of protecting all cultural heritage sites to both the Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments. The UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan has also raised this issue with representatives of the Azerbaijani Government. We continue to underline our support for the efforts of UNESCO.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2021 10:57:11 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	3364 label Biography information for Baroness Cox

1313632

registered interest
date	11/05/2021
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Nagorno Karabakh: Armed Conflict
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Baroness Cox Continuing Impunity - Azerbaijani-Turkish offensives against Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh, published on 24 April.
tabling member printed	Baroness Cox
uin	HL24
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>The UK Government is aware of the report by Baroness Cox. During her February visit to the region, the Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas urged all sides to refrain from rhetoric or actions that may delay dialogue or reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We continue to urge engagement with the OSCE Minsk Group and Minsk Group Co-Chairs to settle all outstanding matters following last year's conflict to ensure a secure and stable future.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2021 11:10:32 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	3364 label Biography information for Baroness Cox