Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the recent attack on a church in North Kivu; and what steps his Department is taking to help support religious freedom in that country.

Recent attacks by IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), including on a church in North Kivu, are alarming and we are saddened by the loss of life. The ADF has been sanctioned by the UN since 2014. Protection of civilians, promotion of respect between different religious and non-religious groups, and human rights are priorities for the UK. The UK continues to work through UN bodies and other multilateral fora to promote and protect these rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We recognise that when freedom of religion or belief is respected, communities can build trust and understanding, which in turn supports mutual prosperity and peace. The Foreign Secretary emphasised to President Tshisekedi on his visit to the region the need for immediate de-escalation and civilian protection.