On the occasion of this annual Red Wednesday, I am pleased to stand in solidarity with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as we remember the millions of Christians, and others, across the globe who continue to face persecution, discrimination, and even bodily violence because they will not abandon their beliefs or identity.
The persecution of Christians remains a significant challenge worldwide. Today, we especially raise the suffering experienced by the largest group of people persecuted for their faith worldwide.
For example, Christians in Nigeria face death or displacement as a result of extremist violence, and the destruction of houses of worship is a growing trend in both Nigeria and India. Discriminatory anti-conversion and blasphemy laws threaten Christians in places like India and Pakistan, and repressive authoritarian regimes threaten peaceful practitioners of their faith in China and North Korea. Historical persecution by ISIS against Christian populations in Iraq continues to be felt, and in places like Egypt where threats are less fatally serious, Christians must still grapple with cultural and legal barriers that favour other faiths over their own.
Furthermore, Christians are by no means alone in facing such aggression and hostility; essentially every other faith group experiences significant persecution somewhere in the world. So, when we refer to the suffering of one particular group we do not and must not remain silent about the suffering of others – such such as Yazidis, Bahai’ or Ahmadi Muslims,
These examples are merely illustrative; others have undertaken the significant task of documenting the full extent of violations around the world. But on this day of commemoration, let us all be resolved to more relentlessly insist on universal respect for the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
Threats to this fundamental human right – whether latent or blatant – exist in every society to a greater or lesser extent, and we must be vigilant in rooting them out wherever they may arise. Whether legislator or layman, each of us can make a difference in this crucial cause.
Today, I have received the following reply from the Human Rights Minister, Lord Collins of Highbury, about the denial of religious freedom in China :
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Lord Collins of Highbury, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL2294):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what economic and other forms of leverage they have considered using in their efforts to encourage respect for Article 18 of the UNDHR for freedom of religion of belief in China. (HL2294)
Tabled on: 05 November 2024
Answer:
Lord Collins of Highbury:
This Government stands firm on human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. The Foreign Secretary raised human rights in every meeting with his Chinese counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including during his recent visit to China on 18 October.
More broadly, this Government will champion freedom of religion or belief for all internationally. We will work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our positions at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora and through bilateral engagement.
Date and time of answer: 19 Nov 2024 at 17:59.
