Written questions, answers and statements

Cuba: Religious Freedom

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Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN 144860, tabled on 16 May 2018

Question

Helen Goodman
Labour
Bishop Auckland
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on freedom of religion or belief of registration requirements for religious groups in Cuba; and if he will take steps to encourage the establishment of a clear framework for religious groups to operate legally in that country.

Answer

Sir Alan Duncan
Conservative
Rutland and Melton
Commons

Answered on

21 May 2018

The Cuban constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the Office of Religious Affairs has a regulatory function, which includes registration. While some religious groups state there is greater need for clarity in those processes, others report that long delays, and complex bureaucratic requirements are the principal issue. On 16 May, as part of the UN's Universal Periodic Review Process, the UK urged Cuba to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – which includes several articles related to freedom of religion and belief.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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