Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent representations they have made to the government of Syria concerning the direct targeting of the Druze community, including targeted killings, enforced disappearances and sexual violence; and what steps they are taking to engage with Syria and its approach to protecting religious freedom.

We were deeply concerned by the escalation of violence between Druze and Bedouin militias in southern Syria in July, and welcomed the ceasefire brokered by the US. The former Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister al Shaibani on 18 July to raise our concerns about events in Suwayda and to press the Syrian Government to conduct a full investigation into the crimes committed. We welcome the announcement on 31 July of the formation of a committee to hold a full investigation into the violence. When the former Foreign Secretary Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, met the Foreign Minister and Justice Minister in Damascus on 27 August, he underlined the importance of accountability, including holding to account the government's own forces. We continue to advocate for an inclusive political transition and the protection of rights of all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic background.