Govt ‘targets places of greatest need’ in drive for worldwide religious liberty

The UK will champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in ten countries where it is “significantly curtailed”, the Government has announced.

Christian MP David Smith, the Government’s FoRB Special Envoy, said the new strategy will focus “on countries where the need is greatest; where opportunities exist to make positive change; and where the UK, specifically, has the relationships and partnerships to help achieve this”.

Targeted for action are Afghanistan, Algeria, China, India, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Ukraine and Vietnam – nine of which are ranked by Open Doors among the worst places in the world for the persecution of Christians.

‘Speak up’

Launching the strategy at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Smith said: “Our focus in seeking to journey with these 10 countries is an important stepping stone towards our overarching goal of a reduction in the number of countries in which the right to FoRB is significantly curtailed.”

He concluded the announcement with words from Scripture, which he described as “a challenge to us all – wherever we call home, and whatever we believe – when it comes to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief for all”.

Quoting Proverbs 31:8-9, he closed: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Welcoming the announcement, Christian Solidarity Worldwide called on the Government to “use every possible lever to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is respected, protected and promoted as a matter of urgency”.

Syria

Last month, a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox Church in Syria killed at least twenty-five people attending a Sunday service.

One Syrian Christian, a local partner of Open Doors, commented: “This incident will make Christians and church leaders live on their tiptoes waiting for the next attack”.

Mr Smith branded the event “an appalling atrocity”, while the Greek Foreign Ministry demanded that the Syrian authorities “implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear”.