Exclusive: PM’s religious freedom envoy calls for new action

In an exclusive interview with en, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce MP, says awareness of persecution must be turned into action.

Speaking she said: ‘One of my to en, priorities is to ensure that we move from awareness raising to action – to making a real difference in the lives of people who are losing their jobs, education, homes, livelihoods, families, freedom, access to justice and even life itself, simply on account of what they believe.

‘Religious intolerance and persecution are often at the heart of foreign and development policy challenges. Where freedom of religion or belief (‘FoRB’) is under attack, other human rights are often threatened too.

‘Good efforts have taken place to seek a UN Special Resolution on FoRB violations in the Middle East and in the North Africa (MENA) region. In March 2021, Lord Ahmad hosted a meeting at the UN Security Council to raise awareness of persecution of religious minorities in conflict zones. The UK also used its G7 Presidency to secure language on FoRB in the G7 communique for the first time, galvanising support for those suffering discrimination and persecution.

‘Bilaterally, Ministers and officials regularly raise specific cases of concern, and do not shy away from challenging those we believe are not meeting their obligations, whether publicly or in private.’

She added: ‘Soon after I was appointed Special Envoy I wrote to all diplomatic posts across the world and was really encouraged by the evident commitment to defend freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and promote respect between different religious and non-religious communities. I am also pleased to see that both the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have made clear that promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK’s longstanding human-rights priorities, which is relevant in all UK’s relationships such as diplomatic, economic or defence.

‘Religion for International Engagement training is now available to all civil servants to enhance their understanding of the role of religion and belief in a wide variety of contexts, in order to deliver the UK’s international objectives more effectively. There are modules on different religions including Christianity to help improve religious literacy in the FCDO and at post level when diplomats go to countries of concern.’

She concluded by saying: ‘FoRB is the right for everyone, everywhere to hold a religion or belief; to change their religion or belief and to freely practise their religion or belief – either alone, or by gathering to pray and worship, alongside other believers.’

‘I am ... encouraged that the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, which I chair, has a growing membership of 36 countries and I hope more will join shortly. There is though a responsibility on those of us who are religious believers and leaders to exercise mutual respect. We only have to look at events in Ukraine to be reminded of the dangers of religion being used for political purposes, or as a pretext for violence. So please do get involved with prayer and action ahead of the International ministerial conference on 5-6 July, and visit the websites of EndThePersecution.uk and UKforbforum. org for more details.