Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage UK ambassadors to consider the importance of engaging with local civil society organisations on issues of fundamental human rights, and especially of freedom of belief and religion.

Our global diplomatic network works in partnership with civil society and human rights defenders to encourage all states to protect and advance human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Our Annual Human Rights and Democracy Reports are an important part of this work.

FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for FoRB works actively to raise awareness of FoRB issues in relevant countries, including by chairing a series of roundtables, bringing together civil society experts and FCDO officials.

In addition, the FCDO International Academy's "Religion for International Engagement" training is essential for FCDO officials in relevant posts and highly recommended for all FCDO staff.