Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of violence against minority groups in Bangladesh.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief. In November 2024, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities with Chief Adviser Yunus who has been vocal about the Interim Government's support for minorities. The UK supports the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which published their report on human rights violations that occurred during last year's student-led protests. We encourage continued collaboration between the Interim Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations and international partners to build an inclusive, democratic future.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to enhance academic partnerships between UK universities and higher education institutions in Northern Cyprus.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The UK supports all Cypriot students, including those in the North, to access UK higher education networks and institutes. In line with the rest of the international community with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ as an independent state. Several UN Security Council Resolutions limit links between UK and the north of Cyprus.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they support calls for a federal Syrian constitution in order to protect minority communities in that country.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK fully supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government. We welcome provisions within the Constitutional Declaration on freedom of expression, freedom of belief and women's rights. Further consultation of key groups across Syria is essential as the constitutional drafting process takes place.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings they have held with the new government of Syria and what steps they have taken to raise human rights concerns.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK engages regularly with the Syrian government to support them in taking steps that will deliver a more stable, free and prosperous future for the Syrian people. We have been clear that we expect those appointed to the new Syrian government to demonstrate a commitment to the protection of human rights. We will continue to judge them by their actions.

The Minister for the Middle East raised the importance of an inclusive political transition and the need to protect all civilians with the Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani most recently when they met in Brussels on 17 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of minorities under the new government of Syria.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We welcome the announcement on the formation of a new Syrian government and the provisions in the Constitutional Declaration on freedom of expression and freedom of belief. We expect those appointed to demonstrate a commitment to protect the rights of all Syrians. We will continue to encourage inclusive governance and will work with the Syrian government to this end.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to imposing sanctions and other measures against those found to be party to the persecution of minority groups in the new government of Syria.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We do not comment on future designations as to do so lessens their potential impact. We keep our sanctions regime under close review and we will continue to judge the Syrian government by their actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many staff in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are based in Damascus.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

There are currently no Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) staff permanently based in Damascus. However, FCDO staff, including our UK Special Representative for Syria, undertake visits to Damascus.