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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

Strangford
Opened the debate
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.

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.