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Freedom of Religion or Belief: Sudan
11 June 2026
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Hamish Falconer
Tags
Community SecurityForeign AffairsWomen & EqualitiesChildren & Families
Word Count: 8286
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about freedom of religion or belief: sudan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Jim Shannon asks the Minister to press for an immediate ceasefire, safe humanitarian access, protection of civilians, churches, mosques, and other places of worship. He also requests support for the mandate of the United Nations fact-finding mission in Sudan and the extension of the Darfur arms embargo across the whole country.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Sudan is experiencing severe violations of freedom of religion or belief, with over 150,000 people estimated to have been killed since April 2023 and up to 15 million displaced. The situation includes the targeting of non-Arab communities by Rapid Support Forces, attacks on places of worship, and conflict-related sexual violence against women and children. Jim Shannon expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability for those perpetrating these atrocities.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Wolverhampton South West
Apologised for being late and asked the Minister about ensuring that the Africa strategy is rooted in human rights commitments, specifically freedom of expression and belief.
Al Pinkerton
Lib Dem
Windsor
Mr Pinkerton discussed the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting the presence of Russian paramilitary forces and their role in fueling conflict. He emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of religion or belief and called for stronger international action to establish an arms embargo and a multilateral contact group. Additionally, he urged the UK Government to work more closely with partners to protect religious rights and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes.
Chris Elmore
LAB
Bridgend
Chris Elmore noted the £146 million humanitarian aid provided by the Government but questioned whether it reaches those in need. He emphasised that no political objective can justify targeting civilians or destroying places of worship.
Lincoln Jopp
LAB
Spelthorne
Lincoln Jopp thanked Jim Shannon for raising the issue and acknowledged the Government's humanitarian aid efforts, while expressing concerns about accountability and the need to address conflict-related sexual violence.
Mark Sewards
LAB
Leeds South West and Morley
Sudan is now the fourth worst place in the world to be a Christian according to the Open Doors World Watch list. Churches are being burned down, Christians forcibly converted and mosques attacked while humanitarian crisis continues. Mark Sewards echoed Jim Shannon's concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and called for an end to impunity for those responsible for atrocities in Sudan. He also mentioned a campaign involving Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.
Government Response
Hamish Falconer
Government Response
It is a particular pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I am standing in for the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Chris Elmore), who sends his apologies that he cannot be here. I thank hon. Members on all sides of the House for their thoughtful contributions and acknowledge the unity across parties on this issue. The situation in Sudan is dire with 9 million people internally displaced and 4 million stranded on borders, leading to severe human rights violations including freedom of religious belief. The UK special envoy for freedom of religion or belief has set out a Government strategy focusing on 10 countries but remains engaged with Sudan. We condemn the countless violations committed by warring parties in Sudan and have been clear about the importance of the issues at the UN General Assembly's Third Committee, Human Rights Council, and Security Council. The UK provides funding for humanitarian relief, including £146 million this year to reach almost 2 million people, and has sanctioned 24 individuals and entities aligned with or backing warring parties in Sudan. We will continue to work urgently with international partners to press for a ceasefire and an inclusive transition to ensure protection of rights for all Sudanese people.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.