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House of Lords written question HL217.

Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN HL217, tabled on 27 June 2017

Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek to place the persecution of religious minorities in countries like Pakistan and Nigeria onto the agenda for the next meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government; and whether they will prioritise in discussions the promotion of freedom of religion and belief.

Answered on

11 July 2017

The Commonwealth is an immense force for good around the world, especially through its promotion of freedom, democracy, human rights, development and prosperity.

The Commonwealth Summit which the UK will host in April 2018 will encourage all Commonwealth members to uphold the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including freedom of religion and belief. A key goal of the Summit will be to reinforce the Commonwealth’s commitment to the rules-based international system, based on members’ shared values of democracy, good governance, equality and the rule of law.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office