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Covid-19: Religious and Ethnic Minority Communities

22 June 2021

Lead MP

Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP

Responding Minister

Nigel Adams

Tags

Foreign AffairsWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 11511
Other Contributors: 2

At a Glance

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

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:

Lead Contributor

Strangford
Opened the debate
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.

Government Response

Nigel Adams
Government Response
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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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.