#Coronavirus threatens lives & too often is being used to undermine rights & democracy. The 🇬🇧’s leading charities are working with us to champion open societies & protect the rights of those in the poorest countries. https://t.co/VqV6MlqrQR

Together the @UN & 🇬🇧 through #COP26 can play a key role in supporting fragile, climate-vulnerable regions like the Sahel.   The UK has been a leading voice on the impact of #climatechange on peace and security, which I discussed yesterday at the #UNSC debate chaired by Niger 🇳🇪

#UNGA75 is an opportunity for all UN member states to come together and support a sustainable recovery to #coronavirus. 🇬🇧 based Ambassadors and High Commissioners from around the🌍are working with us to achieve joint objectives ahead of #UNGA75 https://t.co/JVx5qs96Bp

Read to find out more about her exceptional credentials: https://t.co/HlIjJnhCbt #JudgeKornerforICC

Peace, security and human rights are at the heart of 🇬🇧 foreign policy. Always a pleasure to speak to @JudgeKorner, UK candidate for the @IntlCrimCourt judicial elections, about her vision for the court. https://t.co/nItQzE83zy

The Netherlands 🇳🇱 is a key member of the Media Freedom Coalition and we stand united to #DefendMediaFreedom. Director General of Political Affairs, Thijs van der Plas, and I discussed the importance of media freedom for the whole 🌍 ahead of @unescoNOW co-hosted by @DutchMFA. https://t.co/koSj2Q28EA

Hundreds of thousands of people travel between the 🇬🇧 & 🇵🇰 each year. Great call with @VirginAtlantic today on their plans to start flights from London & Manchester to Islamabad & Lahore, Pakistan in December. A great boost to our bilateral links and our trading relationship. https://t.co/tyL8mXFchO

Sending warm wishes and good health to @narendramodi on his 70th birthday today. A great supporter of the friendship between our countries and especially the living bridge of people-to-people links that underpins it. Happy birthday! https://t.co/2gE5nG9Psb

I strongly commend the Golden Pen of Freedom laureate holder for 2020 @jbedoyalima for her outstanding actions defending press freedom during this exceptional year. I stand with her and @NewspaperWorld in solidarity to #DefendMediaFreedom

The end of a productive virtual visit to Geneva where I met some of the UN’s key development agencies. A good opportunity to brief partners on the priorities of the @FCDOGovUK and to reiterate the UK’s 🇬🇧 pledges as we stand for re-election to the UN 🇺🇳 #HRC for 2021-23.

The global work of the @ITU is offering a helping hand to the world to get it back on its feet after #coronavirus. I spoke to Malcolm Johnson, ITU Deputy Secretary-General, to discuss the UK's engagement with @UN on information and communication technologies. https://t.co/C76sDi1Qtx

A pleasure to meet with Daren Tang, the new DG-elect for @WIPO. The UK looks forward to working with him and his team to continue to strengthen the protection of intellectual property around the globe, increasing economic development and innovation. https://t.co/owq5WA9mGc

A good meeting with @PMaurerICRC. I reaffirmed that the UK would continue to be a leading humanitarian donor The @ICRC is an important partner for the UK and it plays a key role in protecting and assisting people affected by armed conflict. https://t.co/p97rI3YIK9

Delighted to host a roundtable with heads of major ODA agencies in Geneva. Reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the 0.7% GNI development target. We recognise the huge difference development support can make through the work of these organisations and partners. https://t.co/djV9MFE6Kd

Warm & constructive exchange of views with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet @UNHumanRights, on global human rights challenges, in light of Covid-19, and as the #HRC gets under way. UK remains a strong supporter for OHCHR. https://t.co/GJfkjkthxC

As the UK’s Minister for @UN and human rights, today’s virtual visit to Geneva will be an important opportunity to update our partners and talk about priorities for the coming year. https://t.co/u7g9kO0bIs

Geneva is home to many international organisations, including the @UN_HRC, which help some of the most vulnerable people around the world 🌍

@aliciakearns Congratulations!

The U.K. remains committed to accountability, reconciliation and justice for all victims of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and to improving human rights. https://t.co/Ztb6K1fUvf

It’s important to hear from stakeholders & understand what they’d like to happen following the creation of the @FCDOGovUK. Meeting with Kate Allen @AmnestyUK was, as ever, both constructive and helpful. https://t.co/rRxBrYhOzv

The UK is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for everyone, everywhere. I reaffirmed @FCDOGovUK commitment to advance #FoRB around the 🌍 at today’s inaugural UK FoRB Forum meeting. https://t.co/36IfL9zrUr

It is tragic news and deplorable that the Iranian authorities have executed Navid Afkari. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.

The U.K 🇬🇧 has been at the forefront of supporting stability and human rights in Afghanistan 🇦🇫 since 2001 and today marks a hopeful and historic day for the country. I hope all sides can deliver an inclusive and sustainable peace and future for all the citizens of Afghanistan. https://t.co/aQJSlvoSHI

The UK is supporting Pakistan with pioneering UK-manufactured crop sprayers to help farmers protect this year’s harvest and avoid a dire humanitarian situation caused by the worst locust plagues in recent history. #UKPakDosti

The 🇬🇧 is committed to working with others for a 🌍 recovery from #Covid-19 that puts the environment at its heart. Today I spoke with the UN All-Party Parliamentarian Group as we prepare for #UNGA75 in one of the most important years for global collaboration. #UN75 https://t.co/VMOMNuDGQN

The Holocaust must not be forgotten and continues to be a lesson for us today. Today I caught up with Lord @EricPickles & I discussed Holocaust remembrance, property restitution & Antisemitism. https://t.co/f2gV1PskRH

The new @FCDOgovuk brings together the best of Britain’s international effort, and we will work with @britishasiantst to deliver the best for our people here and across South Asia, whether that is tackling climate change, addressing poverty, or promoting mutual prosperity. 2/2

The contribution of the British Asian community in the fight against #COVID19 is exemplary, particularly the life-saving work in the NHS. Great discussion today with British Asian Trust Ambassador @SonaliShah on South Asia and the establishment of @FCDOgovuk. 1/2 https://t.co/3NRjVaoDaP

Joined @RoyalCWSociety, @CityLordMayor and @PatriciaIthau this morning to talk about 🇬🇧’s time as #Commonwealth Chair-in-Office and the opportunities for global collaboration that this unique network presents in the run up to #CHOGM2021 https://t.co/Rehjgaw4dA

Shocked and saddened by the attack on Afghan First Vice President @AmrullahSaleh2 and civilians today in Kabul. My thoughts are with those affected. The perpetrators must be brought to justice and cannot be allowed to impede peace

Delighted to launch the UK’s #Commonwealth Chair-in-Office report this morning with @CPA_UK. We have worked with our Commonwealth partners to deliver 40+ projects across 6 continents, creating a better future for 2.4bn citizens https://t.co/bZvGHmWTmu https://t.co/9kIQhT78aC

#Bahrain will continue to receive the UK’s principled & practical support as it continues its essential human right reform efforts. Good to take that forward yesterday with Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Zayani when I reiterated the UK’s long standing death penalty stance. https://t.co/iYW5F8RA1N

The UK, Fiji, Rwanda & EU are co-leading the Recovering Better for Sustainability work for the UN Secretary General's Financing for Development Initiative. Helping make our recovery from COVID19 greener, healthier & more inclusive.

#COVID19 & its impacts have exposed our vulnerabilities but we must seize this opportunity for a strong & inclusive recovery that: 🌍 enables climate-resilient growth & protects our biodiversity 🚑🩺 delivers better health for everyone 👧supports & empowers the most vulnerable https://t.co/9BhkYMgvb3

Memorable day with @ukinpakistan team. Useful meetings with Pakistani Ministers, members of the media, civil society and private sector representatives. A reminder of the depth of the strong people to people links between our two countries.

The UK is working with Pakistan in its efforts to strengthen a free media and tackle intimidation of female journalists. Really interesting to hear from talented journalists on #MediaFreedom and other issues. Media Freedom is an important UK priority. https://t.co/tsSUzg6fpG

The UK 🇬🇧 & Pakistan 🇵🇰 are working together on a range of crucial issues, including climate change, tackling extremism and human rights, the Afghan peace process & championing the Commonwealth. Constructive meeting with Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood today @ForeignOfficePK https://t.co/nloS5XpME9

UK and Pakistan are natural partners in fighting for #ClimateAction ahead of #COP26 in Glasgow next year. Pleased to launch @UKinPakistan’s #RoadtoCOP26 and hear about how we can work together, including on renewable energy with CDC, @UKEF and @pid_gov. https://t.co/tCn382sWSG

I’ve been saddened at the devastating images of the flooding in Pakistan. UK aid announced today will ensure life-saving clean water, sanitation & shelter gets to those who need it most. Monsoon flooding serves as a stark reminder of how devastating natural disasters can be. https://t.co/xVMatdvkhA

Impressed to see the resilience Pakistan has shown in fighting this global pandemic. A pleasure to meet @drsafdar64 today and see the state-of-the-art surveillance system in Pakistan set up through valuable contributions from @PHE_uk @ukinpakistan https://t.co/IDUL0sHzDr

🇬🇧 aid is backing excellent projects on #GirlsEducation in Pakistan. Great to virtually meet Chaudhry Mohammed Sarwar, Governor of Punjab, @ChMSarwar to discuss how we can work together on areas of shared interests and build on our collaboration to get more girls into school https://t.co/HL83yvH1GK

Started my virtual visit to 🇵🇰 by visiting a girls’ learning centre. Inspiring to see the potential & ambition of these brilliant young girls, the difference @FCDOgovuk is making & the progress 🇵🇰 has made towards #GirlsEducation & the empowerment of women #UKPakDosti https://t.co/E9Yq4h1WyV

The 🇬🇧 and 🇵🇰 are long-standing partners. Looking forward to my first virtual visit @fcdogovuk to #Pakistan with @ukinpakistan today to see how the UK is helping to support #GirlsEducation, action on #ClimateChange & #Polio, and #MediaFreedom https://t.co/NrnB7uqpga

The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. We share global concern at the death sentence given to Navid Afkari and urge the Iranian authorities to show restraint.

Concerned by the extradition of journalist Bobomurod Abdullaev from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, following allegations of torture and failure of Kyrgyz authorities to consider his asylum request. Kyrgyzstan must live up to its international #humanrights obligations.

🇨🇦 and 🇬🇧 continue to work together to support the safety of journalists through the Global Media Defence Fund and promote media freedom around the 🌍. Pleasure to talk to @Rob_Oliphant about the importance of media freedom for all #defendmediafreedom https://t.co/AzYItab8RX

Future generations will be most affected by the decisions we make today. They must have a say in what our future looks like. Today the 🇬🇧 virtually brought together young people from all over the 🌍 to celebrate #UN75 #shapingourfuture #UN75globalconversation https://t.co/mHcMXwcsFZ

Today I was delighted to meet with the Japanese Ambassador to the UK Yasumasa Nagamine to welcome Japan as the 37th member of the Media Freedom Coalition. 🇯🇵 have demonstrated their commitment to #defendmediafreedom by signing the Global Pledge on Media Freedom https://t.co/XPYXkmxn06

The UK is a force for good in the world 🇬🇧   I’m proud to be part of the new @FCDOGovUK promoting the interests of British citizens, defending our values and reducing poverty around the 🌍including in South Asia. https://t.co/mYbXVz5i8T

I welcome the excellent news of the opening of these new routes by @VirginAtlantic to Pakistan from both @HeathrowAirport and @ManchesterAirp / these links will further strengthen the people to people connections between our two nations. https://t.co/CiFSyvW0LK

As Commonwealth Minister it was my pleasure today to discuss @IntCrimCourt judicial elections with @SeychellesDFA.  We discussed our shared values of democracy and human rights and how I feel these would be best served by UK candidate @JudgeKorner  #JudgeKornerforICC https://t.co/kX8F30DgMn

Found: Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Shinkwin, and signed an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct.</p>

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterpart in Bangladesh on a timetable for the reinstatement of internet services for Rohingya refugees.

Answer (Nigel Adams)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has consistently engaged with the Government of Bangladesh on the importance of restoring internet services in the Cox's Bazar refugee camps since restrictions were introduced in September 2019. The Foreign Secretary raised this in a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July. The Minister for South Asia, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, has discussed the issue several times with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in London. The British High Commissioner in Dhaka has also spoken with the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Friday 28 August, we were pleased to see internet services restored in the camps.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of religious minorities within the covid-19 pandemic response in (a) Nigeria, (b) India, (c) Bangladesh, (d) Somalia, (e) China, (f) Myanmar, (g) the Gulf region and (h) other countries.

Answer (Nigel Adams)

We are continuing to assess the impact of COVID-19 on minority religious and belief communities around the world. We are deeply concerned by incidents of hate speech targeting minority religious and belief groups, including the rise in conspiracy theories that certain faiths or beliefs are to blame for coronavirus. Such incidents are unacceptable, and the UK will continue to refute these divisive and harmful claims. We are also concerned by reports that some minority communities have been denied access to aid and information. As part of our ongoing work to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, we have issued statements calling for states to ensure that any restrictions to the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief are necessary, proportionate and time-limited to protect public health. The Minister for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, also urged states to take steps to mitigate the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society, including religious and belief minorities, during the UK's closing statement at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 16 July (HL6213), (1) when, and (2) how, they intend to transfer existing EU sanctions relating to Syria into UK law; and whether Parliament will be given time to discuss that transfer.

Answer (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon)

Her Majesty's Government is transferring existing EU sanctions into UK law through regulations made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, including the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. These regulations will come into force on 1 January 2021, at which point existing EU sanctions will become autonomous UK sanctions. The Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 were debated and approved in both Houses in April and May 2019.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to hold discussions with his Pakistani counterpart to raise concerns on the recent ruling of Lahore High Court in Pakistan in favour of a man who kidnapped at gunpoint a 14-year-old Christian girl, Maira Shahbaz, and allegedly fabricated a marriage certificate and forced her to convert to Islam.

Answer (Nigel Adams)

We are closely monitoring Maira Shahbaz's case following her reported abduction in April. We are concerned about women's and girls' rights and ongoing reports of forced marriage and forced conversion in Pakistan, including such reports of this happening to women and girls from religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs. The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls.

We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief, women and girl's rights and gender equality with the government of Pakistan at a senior level. Most recently, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon raised our human rights concerns with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 15 July.