Asked by: Lord Bishop of Winchester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate (1) humanitarian aid delivery, and (2) the safe passage of civilians, in South Kivu's Hauts Plateaux in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK Government recognises that the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is critical and we call on all parties to fully comply with International Humanitarian Law, including ensuring the protection of civilians and guaranteeing safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access. Last year, we provided £103 million in humanitarian and peacebuilding funding to eastern DRC and the wider region. In March, along with the Minister for Africa, I met with humanitarian organisations delivering UK-funded assistance and announced an additional £7.3 million in support for communities affected by the escalating conflict.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Winchester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); and what representations they have made to the governments of the DRC and Rwanda regarding commitments to implementing the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
In February 2025, the UK introduced policy measures on Rwanda in response to developments in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UK continues to encourage all parties to meaningfully engage with peace processes and implement agreed commitments. I delivered this message during my visits to Kigali in October 2025, and to the Democratic Republic of Congo in March of this year. It is the UK's long-standing policy not to comment on potential sanctions designations as to do so would risk weakening their impact.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Winchester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to imposing sanctions on the Rwandan army and key military officials for supporting, training and fighting alongside the March 23 Movement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
In February 2025, the UK introduced policy measures on Rwanda in response to developments in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UK continues to encourage all parties to meaningfully engage with peace processes and implement agreed commitments. I delivered this message during my visits to Kigali in October 2025, and to the Democratic Republic of Congo in March of this year. It is the UK's long-standing policy not to comment on potential sanctions designations as to do so would risk weakening their impact.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Winchester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of India regarding freedom of religion or belief in that country, and what other steps they are taking to support freedom of religion or belief there.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The Government remains committed to promoting and protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally, and we continue to support civil society organisations and faith leaders who work to foster tolerance and inclusion. The Prime Minister's Special Envoy on FoRB, David Smith MP, plays an important role in championing religious freedom globally. We continue to monitor reports of religiously motivated violence and discrimination and raise concerns where appropriate, encouraging adherence to constitutional and international human rights commitments.