Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Religious and Ethnic Minority Communities

22 June 2021 · 2 other contributors · 11,511 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Nigel Adams

Foreign AffairsReligion & Faith

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about covid-19: religious and ethnic minority communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jim Shannon highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on religious and ethnic minority communities worldwide, noting increased oppression, violence, and discrimination.
  • Shannon asked the Government to commit resources to fostering a more equitable environment and prioritising aid for marginalised faith and belief communities.
  • The Minister stated the Government's commitment to freedom of religion or belief globally, aiming for equitable vaccine access and addressing potential crises that reinforce marginalised positions.

Key requests to Government

Shannon implored Her Majesty's Government to commit to using their resources to foster a more equitable environment globally. He asked the Minister to ensure that aid is prioritised for marginalised faith and belief communities, ensuring equality in vaccine roll-out and healthcare access. Shannon also requested information on how cuts to official development assistance are predicted to affect global health commitments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Jim Shannon highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on religious and ethnic minority communities worldwide. He noted that these groups face increased oppression, violence, discrimination in healthcare access, economic disparities, misinformation, and restrictions on worship activities. Shannon cited examples from Pakistan, India, South Korea, China, and other countries illustrating how these communities are often blamed for the spread of the virus or subjected to stricter lockdown measures.

Other contributors (2)
  • Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield

    The MP highlighted the inequality in vaccine distribution and called for equal medical support during the pandemic, focusing on minority Christians suffering in regions like the Middle East and Pakistan. She also raised concerns about human rights abuses against Muslim minorities, including detention and vaccine testing without consent. I highlight the work of an investigator from Scotland who has been visiting prisons and detention centres across Europe to ensure proper treatment during the pandemic. I ask for further explanations of government investigations into abuse claims against ethnic and religious minority groups in these facilities.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

    He highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on ethnic minority groups, noting higher rates of infection and mortality. He also pointed out challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, access to healthcare, restrictions on worship, and increased discrimination against minorities. Asked if the Government's additional funding to COVAX and supplies of ventilators and PPE will be in addition to or diminish the overall aid budget.

Government Response

Nigel Adams

We have done well in discussing the impact of the pandemic on religious and ethnic minority communities, Sir Christopher. The Government remains committed to freedom of religion or belief around the world and continues to champion this right through multilateralism, strengthening evidence bases, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines. We are aware of the potential for crises to reinforce already marginalised positions in society, leading to increased discrimination, violence, and stigma. Reports of attacks on Shi'a Muslims and Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka are deeply troubling. To address such issues, we have stepped up our engagement with UN bodies to protect the rights of religious and ethnic minority communities. We also prioritise girls' education as a key response to intersecting vulnerabilities experienced by women in religious communities during the pandemic. In terms of equitable vaccine access, through G7 commitments we pledged 870 million doses of which at least half are to be delivered by the end of this year. The UK has provided more than £500 million to COVAX. Concerns raised about cremations in Sri Lanka and persecution of Christians in Pakistan were addressed, with Lord Ahmad raising these issues bilaterally with relevant authorities. We also continue to urge Pakistan to guarantee rights for all citizens, particularly minorities. Our work includes implementing the recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's review by July next year, three years after publication. The Government will do everything possible to promote and defend equality, inclusion, and respect at home and abroad.

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