Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect international religious freedom and reduce global religious persecution.

The Government will stand up for the freedom of people of all religions – and non-religious people – to practise their beliefs in peace and safety. The UK will continue to work actively both bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure that States protect the right of all individuals to practise their religion or belief free from persecution or discrimination. The Government led efforts to rescue stranded Yazidis on Mount Sinjar after their persecution by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The UK is also active in the United Nations, European Union and other relevant international organisations in calling on States to promote and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief and ensure the free and equal participation of all in society. The UK is an active member of the Canadian-led International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief.