Human Rights Council 40: Freedom of religion or belief and sale of children
The UK highlighted its commitment to support those facing persecution because of their religion or beliefs and encouraged all partners to tackle the sale of children.
Thank you Mr President.
We believe that states must protect and defend Freedom of Religion or Belief. Last year, the Prime Minister appointed the UK’s first Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary has also commissioned an independent, global review into Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians. The Review will look at what additional, practical steps the Foreign and Commonwealth Office can take to support Christians who face discrimination or persecution.
We remain deeply concerned about violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief in many parts of the world. From imprisoned Baha’i’s in Yemen, to detained Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. From ongoing targeting of individuals who wish to practice their faith or belief in the DPRK, to attacks on members of minority communities by extremists. The UK is committed to standing up for all those who suffer, and defending the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief.
I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief for his ongoing commitment to promoting respect between people of different religious beliefs, including those of no religion. I would also like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children for her report. The UK government takes the welfare of children very seriously, and encourages all countries to work together to stamp out this awful practice.
This year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will look at how it supports individuals persecuted for their faith. What more can we do, together as an international community, to support those who suffer because of their religion or belief?
Thank you Mr President.