To ask Her Majesty’s Government what percentage of the UK aid budget for Sudan is used to promote freedom of religion or belief; and what assessment they have made of the penalties imposed by Sudanese courts if a man or woman exercises their right to change their beliefs.
Answered on
8 November 2016
Through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Conflict, Stability and Security Fund a programme worth £100,000, is focussing on the reform of the teaching of religious education in Sudan, and the promotion of religious tolerance. In 2015 and 2016 an FCO-funded project in Sudan brought together legal experts, religious leaders and civil society members to challenge social and legal barriers to freedom of religion or belief.
Freedom of religion or belief in Sudan remains a concern and is a core part of our ongoing human rights dialogue with the Government of Sudan. This dialogue calls on the Government of Sudan to ensure all legislation is consistent with the commitment to their citizens in the Interim Constitution of 2005, within which religious freedom is enshrined.