Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports that the predominantly Sunni Adjarian Muslim community in Batumi, Georgia, has experienced prolonged legal obstacles in seeking permission for the construction of a new mosque; and what representations have been made to the Government of Georgia on ensuring equal access to places of worship and protecting freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities.

The Government is committed to standing up for freedom of religion or belief globally. The UK regularly discusses the promotion and protection of human rights with foreign partners and supports the right to freedom of religion or belief and other rights in Georgia, including through statements at the Council of Europe. We are also using the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora to uphold these rights.