Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the targeting of women and of minorities around the world because of their religion or belief; and whether they plan to publish their estimate of the number of people adversely affected and of the countries where such violations occur.

Women and minority groups can be disproportionately affected on the basis of their religion or belief. Individuals can also face persecution grounded in religious or belief-based justifications, relating to the backlash against women's, girls and LGBT+ rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. We do not hold figures on those adversely affected. However, the latest Pew Research Center study reports that in 2021, government restrictions on religion reached a new peak globally. We are committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief, for all, everywhere, and seek opportunities to advocate for women and minority groups.