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 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.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan concerning blasphemy charges against Rasheed Masih; and what steps they are taking to ensure his release.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 12 June in response to Question 58220, which I have reproduced below for ease of reference:

The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. We regularly raise this issue at the highest levels - pressing for due process to prevent wrongful convictions and ensure fair trials for those accused. In March 2025, the Minister for the Middle East raised the heated discourse around blasphemy with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior. Lord Khan of Burnley raised the misuse of blasphemy laws when he met Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs in April 2025. We are not prepared to discuss the detail of individual cases where to do so could put individuals and their families at risk.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic discussions they have had concerning the recent increasing restrictions on the legal residency of Uyghurs by the Turkish authorities; and what steps they are taking to engage with international partners to address these concerns.

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

The Government supports the rights of all minority groups in Turkey, including Uyghurs, and expects Turkey to uphold its international obligations to human rights and the rule of law.

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