Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of ongoing human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu, on freedom of religion or belief; and what representations they have made to international partners regarding the protection of religious minorities in areas affected by violence from M23 and other armed groups.

Human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including promoting respect between different religious and non-religious groups, are a priority for the UK. We work with the United Nations and other multilateral bodies to promote and protect them. Our Ambassador in Kinshasa and Ministers regularly raise protection of human rights with the government of DRC. We are alarmed and saddened by the attacks by IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces on Christian communities and the resulting loss of life. There is no evidence so far that churches have been specifically targeted by M23 rebels. The UK continues to remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and make clear that all those who have committed human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable.