Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent attacks on churches in El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces; what steps they are taking to ensure those responsible are held accountable under international humanitarian and human rights law; and what support they are providing to those affected by the conflict in Sudan, including internally displaced people in El Fasher, and religious minorities.

The UK condemns the reported bombing of churches in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured multiple people. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. The UK is using its position as penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the core group on Sudan at the Human Rights Council to keep a spotlight on, and take actions in response to, the human rights situation in Sudan. Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, David Smith, made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We are providing support to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to enable their human rights monitoring and reporting, and in October 2024, led the renewal of the UN Fact Finding Mission's investigative mandate on Sudan. The UK also strongly supports the International Criminal Court's active investigation into the situation in Darfur, including allegations of crimes committed since April 2023. At the London Sudan conference, the Foreign Secretary announced £120 million which will deliver life-saving services to more than 650,000 people, including North Darfur.