Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights implications of the government of Belarus' recent amendments to their laws on the activities of religious organisations.

We are aware of recent repressive amendments to Belarus' laws on the activities of religious organisations. These changes have served to tighten controls on freedom of religion or belief. The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and we monitor the situation for religious and non-religious communities globally. The British Embassy in Minsk continues to show its support for and where possible engages with, religious groups in Belarus. Belarus remains a human rights priority country for the UK.