Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic steps they have taken to protect Christian communities in Syria following reports in September of Christians from six churches in Suweida fleeing violence.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 26 September 2025 to Question HL10173.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of Algeria about the use of (1) anti-proselytism, and (2) blasphemy, laws to target Christian communities; and what steps they are taking to promote religious freedom in that country.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 28th July to Question HL9457.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the right to freedom of religion or belief of the potential forced displacement of the Protestant pastor Aristides Chocue from the Caldono Municipality in Colombia; and whether they have made representations to the government of Colombia on this matter.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The UK is concerned about threats to religious freedom around the world, including forced displacement of religious leaders in Colombia. The UK supports human rights defenders and victims through programming and diplomatic engagement, and UK officials regularly raise concerns with the Colombian Government and at the UN. We fund protection mechanisms for at-risk individuals, including religious leaders. The UK urges Colombian institutions to act on early warnings and protect those at risk. We remain committed to defending freedom of religion or belief globally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent diplomatic steps they have taken to protect Christian communities in Syria, following reports of violence in Suweida in September.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided for question HL9663 on 1 August 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of Uganda about an attack on Christians in the Budaka District, and what steps they are taking to protect Christians in that country.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside recognising the persecution of other groups. The Ugandan constitution promotes freedom of religion, guaranteeing that every person has the right to practice any religion, and a wide range of faith groups practice freely in Uganda. Our High Commission in Kampala engages regularly with religious and cultural leaders.

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