"I am pleased to have secured this debate on the increasing threat to freedom of religion in certain parts of the world, which is an important issue. Due to time pressure, I apologise in advance for the fact that I may not be able to accept many interventions. These are …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I absolutely agree. The watchlist is a helpful aid for those who are interested in this issue.
I have previously highlighted the persecution of Christians in countries where they are a minority, such as Sudan and Somalia, and persecution is still perpetuated at both state and community level. The current …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I hope that the Minister will be able reflect on that in his response.
The nature of persecution is incredibly variable. In some situations, it will take the form of a “squeeze”, with pressure being applied, while in others it is in the form of “smash”, with recourse to violence. …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I absolutely agree and concur with all that has been said. It is hugely important that those countries are restructured in a way that will increase progressive democracy in those nations...." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I am afraid not. I have very little time and I want to make another point.
Attacks on churches are an assault not on an individual faith tradition, but on the rule of law, and, if a line is not held by the Government in addressing that, confidence in the …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"Freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are issues on which I have placed significant emphasis in my work at Westminster. I believe and the evidence shows that societies that respect those fundamental human rights also tend to fare better in their protection of other human rights. I have therefore …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I think that that is absolutely right. Certainly, the memorandums that have been circulated by the Government there indicate that that is their eventual aim and objective. I want to come on to that.
Two recent reports—one issued by the UN Secretary-General and the other by the UN special rapporteur …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"I am aware of that. Indeed, I am very conscious of the fact that the economic exclusion of Baha’is from society in Iran is part of the Government’s approach to the persecution that they undertake, but it also affects those who are not Baha’i, who are often employed in those …..." Naomi Long - View Speech
"The international community can do a huge amount, and the EU has to play its role in that. The Government have shown great leadership, and I am about to make specific requests based on where they can show further leadership.
"That is a valid concern, which I hope will be addressed in what I ask the Minister and the Government to do.
The debate is timely, because the UN General Assembly third committee is reviewing Iran’s human rights record this week in New York, so, as I draw my remarks …..." Naomi Long - View Speech