Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to work with the United Nations to strengthen protections for freedom of religion or belief, in response to restrictions placed on faith communities in authoritarian states.

The UK is committed to protecting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, everywhere, including calling on States who place restrictions on the right to FoRB to lift those restrictions and protect FoRB. We do this bilaterally, and through our position at the UN. In October and November 2024, the UK issued several statements during the UN's Universal Periodic Review process, calling on Member States to implement their FoRB commitments. We also have regular discussions with the UN Special Rapporteur for FoRB, most recently during the March Interactive Dialogue at the Human Rights Council. We continue to champion FoRB and promote tolerance in all societies.