To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations (a) the British Ambassador to Egypt, (b) Ministers and (c) British consular officials have made to their Egyptian counterparts on the human rights situation of people of the Baha'i faith in Egypt.
Answered on
12 September 2017
The UK Government is clear that Freedom of Religion or Belief needs to be protected and the ability to worship in peace is a vital component of a democratic society. We deplore all discrimination against religious minorities and constraints on their freedom to practise their faith. We recognise the challenges faced by the Baha'i community in Egypt.
The Government of Egypt has stated its commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and the need for freedom of worship, and the Egyptian constitution contains protection for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Senior Foreign and Commonwealth officials regularly raise Freedom of Religion or Belief with the Government of Egypt. We continue to call on governments across the region, including Egypt, to ensure that Freedom of Religion or Belief is respected for all, including members of the Baha'i faith.