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<p>Despite some signs of progress under the civilian-led government in Sudan, including
institutions observing Christian holidays and allowing Christians to attend church
services on Sundays, we remain concerned by ongoing infringements of Freedom of Religion
or Belief in Sudan. The burning down of three churches in Sudan’s Blue Nile State
is disturbing and the Sudanese authorities must investigate. That these churches were
attacked having been rebuilt by members of the local community after previous arson
attacks is tragic, and those who seek to sow division must not succeed. Promoting
Freedom of Religion or Belief as a means of enhancing tolerance and inclusion remains
a key part of our ongoing engagement with Sudan. I personally raised this case, along
with wider human rights issues, with the Sudanese ambassador and I urge the Sudanese
authorities to prevent such attacks and investigate.</p><p>Our Embassy in Khartoum’s
human rights programming aims to address bureaucratic obstacles and legal restrictions
that disproportionately affect religious minorities, which has included the denial
of permits for Church buildings and cases of church demolition. Sudan is a priority
country in the UK’s Annual Human Rights Report and we will continue to urge respect
for human rights, including the rights of minorities to follow their chosen beliefs,
in our engagement with the Sudanese authorities.</p>
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