Asked by: Stephen Lloyd (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Nepal to amend Article 26(3) of the Nepalese constitution to uphold freedom of religion or belief in line with Nepal's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Answered by Mark Field
The Constitution of Nepal guarantees freedom of religion and belief under article 26 (1) as a fundamental right. However sub-article 3 and the new 2017 Penal Code include provisions which could limit that right. I raised the importance of ensuring freedom of religion and belief in line with international obligations and standards when I met the Nepali Ambassador on 9 October. The British Embassy in Kathmandu has also urged the Nepali Government to ensure the final wording and implementation of the new Penal Code is consistent with the rights enshrined in the international laws that Nepal has ratified.
Asked by: Stephen Lloyd (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for religious organisations and places of worship of having to register as non-governmental organisations in Nepal.
Answered by Mark Field
The reforms to Nepal's 2017 National Penal Code require most religious groups to register as non-governmental organisations. However, non-governmental organisations in Nepal are not permitted to promote or preach religion. This risks threatening freedom of religious expression.
I raised my concerns about freedom of religious expression with the Ambassador of Nepal on 9 October with particular reference to Christian minorities. The British Embassy in Kathmandu has also raised this matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will continue to press the Government of Nepal to ensure the legal framework governing this freedom fully complies with international standards.