Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are taking steps to refer the situation in Ethiopia to the International Criminal Court, following the approach taken with regard to Bangladesh and Myanmar, having regard to the mass forced displacement of Tigrayans from Ethiopia.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK is concerned by increasing risks of atrocities across the globe, including in Ethiopia. We raise our concern of risks of atrocities in both the multilateral space and bilaterally, where possible. We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in determining crimes against humanity, including in the context of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they last conducted a joint analysis of conflict and stability for Ethiopia, and whether they will review the situation again to take account of the escalating conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
A Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) Update was completed in June 2024 to refresh cross-government understanding of the drivers of conflict, insecurity and instability in Ethiopia and assess implications for UK response. The JACS continues to be used to inform regular monitoring of conflict and stability risks and to guide a cross-government approach to support peace and stability in Ethiopia.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rights to freedom of religion or belief, and of association and assembly, in Armenia; and what representations they have made to the government of Armenia in this regard in recent months.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK Government remains firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief, as well as the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, globally. Upholding international human rights is essential to ensure everyone can enjoy these freedoms without fear or discrimination. The UK raised human rights issues during Armenia's recent Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council on 1 May, where a number of recommendations were made.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent arrests of actual or perceived opposition leaders in Armenia, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, on allegations of plotting terrorist acts to seize power.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK is monitoring the recent arrests of opposition figures in Armenia, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. It is important that due process is allowed to take its course, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly under the law and that judicial proceedings remain transparent and impartial. The UK Government remains firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief globally.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Syria to ensure that those responsible for torture and other human rights violations against survivors of Syria’s detention systems are properly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK has long condemned the gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime, including those in Syria's detention systems. We support the Syrian Government in establishing Syrian-led processes, such as the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We have urged the Syrian Government to engage collaboratively with civil societies and the UN to ensure these are inclusive, comprehensive and transparent. During the Foreign Secretary's meeting with President al Sharaa in Damascus on 5 July, he raised the importance of accountability and transitional justice for a sustainable political transition, and offered UK support.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Syria and international partners following the attack at Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church on 22 June; what assessment they have made of the implications of this attack for religious freedom in Syria; and what steps they are taking to support accountability and the safeguarding of religious minorities in Syria.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK strongly condemns the horrific terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church and remains committed to combatting terrorism. The Minister for the Middle East sent a personal message to Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani, expressing condolences and the UK's continued support. On 25 June our Special Representative for Syria visited Damascus and discussed the assessment of the situation with the Foreign Minister. We will continue to underline the importance of an inclusive political transition and protection of the rights of all Syrians, as well as advocate for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Syria to ensure that survivors of Syria’s detention systems have their rights to justice, reparations and access to rehabilitation upheld.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK has long condemned the gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime, including those in Syria's detention systems. We support the Syrian Government in establishing Syrian-led processes, such as the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We have urged the Syrian Government to engage collaboratively with civil societies and the UN to ensure these are inclusive, comprehensive and transparent. During the Foreign Secretary's meeting with President al Sharaa in Damascus on 5 July, he raised the importance of accountability and transitional justice for a sustainable political transition, and offered UK support.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Myanmar to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK continues to call for the release of those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar both bilaterally and through multilateral fora. On 19th June, to mark Aung San Suu Kyi's 80th birthday, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific called for her release and for all those arbitrarily detained. On 1st February, the Foreign Secretary called for Aung San Suu Kyi's release and all those arbitrarily detained. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Myanmar, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic and multilateral steps they are taking to ensure the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar, including individuals detained for exercising their rights to freedom of religion or belief.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK continues to call for the release of those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar both bilaterally and through multilateral fora. On 1st February, the Foreign Secretary called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all those arbitrarily detained. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Myanmar, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent attacks on churches in El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces; what steps they are taking to ensure those responsible are held accountable under international humanitarian and human rights law; and what support they are providing to those affected by the conflict in Sudan, including internally displaced people in El Fasher, and religious minorities.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK condemns the reported bombing of churches in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured multiple people. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. The UK is using its position as penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the core group on Sudan at the Human Rights Council to keep a spotlight on, and take actions in response to, the human rights situation in Sudan. Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, David Smith, made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We are providing support to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to enable their human rights monitoring and reporting, and in October 2024, led the renewal of the UN Fact Finding Mission's investigative mandate on Sudan. The UK also strongly supports the International Criminal Court's active investigation into the situation in Darfur, including allegations of crimes committed since April 2023. At the London Sudan conference, the Foreign Secretary announced £120 million which will deliver life-saving services to more than 650,000 people, including North Darfur.