Central Asian Republics: Religious Freedom

HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 c121WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have secured freedom for all religious groups in the Republics of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan; and, if not, whether they will raise the issue in all appropriate international fora. [HL1836]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Central Asian Republics of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have a mixed record on human rights, including those relating to religious freedoms. The British Government regard freedom of religion as a fundamental human right. We take every opportunity to raise with the Central Asian Governments human rights issues, including cases of religious persecution. We frequently work with EU Partners and within the OSCE to raise our concerns and to urge the governments to implement their international human rights obligations.