Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Persecution of Christians

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The report highlights significant persecution faced by Christians globally, especially in China, where churches face increasing pressure.
  • Issues of persecution will be recognised and addressed, with concerns raised about human rights violations in China during recent ministerial visits.
  • Pressure is applied through discussions with Pakistan's Foreign Minister to raise issues of persecution and promote freedom of human rights and worship.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Foster Con
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The 'World Watch List 2024' highlights the persecution Christians face globally, noting over 365 million Christians suffer each year. The UK prioritises freedom of religion or belief.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the Open Doors report entitled “World Watch List 2024”. The report highlights significant persecution faced by Christians globally, especially in China, where churches face increasing pressure.

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

The report provides a sobering account of extreme difficulties faced by many Christians globally, noting more than 365 million face persecution yearly. Freedom of religion or belief is prioritised in the UK, and issues of persecution will be recognised and addressed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner sought a detailed assessment but received a general statement about addressing issues without specifics.

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Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The 'World Watch List 2024' report highlights significant persecution of Christians globally, with particular concern in China.

Question

During recent ministerial visits, what representations were made on the issue of Christian persecution in China, alongside highlighting other aspects of their human rights record?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

He highlights China, where we remain concerned about persecution of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners. The Asia Minister visited China last week, making clear our concerns about human rights violations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided context but did not give specific details on the representations made during ministerial visits.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The Open Doors report raises concerns about religious persecution in Pakistan, affecting Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians.

Question

How can we exert greater influence to effect change in Pakistan regarding the freedom of human rights and worship?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

Through his chairmanship, pressure is applied through discussions with Pakistan's Foreign Minister and previous Foreign Secretary raising issues of persecution. The role of the freedom of religion or belief envoy will continue to provide authority in these matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer highlighted ongoing efforts but did not specify concrete actions planned for exerting greater influence.

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