§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had recently with the(a) Church of England, (b) Roman Catholic Church and (c) Free churches on the suppression of Christian minorities in different parts of the world. [8540]
§ Peter HainPromotion of human rights is at the heart of our foreign policy and we regard religious freedom as a fundamental human right. We condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith, wherever it happens and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned.
We take every opportunity, often working with our EU partners, to urge states to pursue laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect and to protect religious minorities against discrimination, intimidation and attacks. We regularly raise specific cases of religious persecution with the governments concerned.
This Government greatly value dialogue with civil society and have worked to strengthen it. Ministers and officials regularly discuss human rights concerns in a range of countries with non-governmental groups. For example, officials from our African Department Equatorial met staff from the Offices of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Guildford before their visits to Nigeria; and last year in Sudan we helped with the Anglican Church's Centenary celebrations and with the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The FCO also organises an ad-hoc Contact Group on international religious freedom. The next meeting is due to take place in December. This meeting is attended by a range of organisations, including different Christian denominations.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had recently with(a) the Sudan, (b) Nigeria, and (c) Indonesia on their Governments' treatment of Christians. [8539]
§ Mr. BradshawWe are concerned about the human rights of all in Sudan, Nigeria and Indonesia, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The people of Sudan, including its Christian communities, have certainly suffered as a result of Sudan's civil war. We have a regular dialogue with the parties in Sudan to encourage them to work towards a lasting and just peace settlement.1300W Only when there is peace can the human rights of all Sudanese be safeguarded. In addition we make representations to the Government of Sudan about individual cases which cause us concern. We continue to work with the Churches, both in Sudan and the UK, as they have an important role to play in the search for peace.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. The Federal States maintain that the introduction of the Sharia penal code is a matter for them not the Government. But they also stress that the code does not apply to non-Muslims unless the latter so choose. Our High Commissioner in Abuja has regular contact will all States' Governors.
We raise human rights issues with the Indonesian authorities, both bilaterally and through the European Union, at every opportunity. I did so most recently when I met Vice-President Hamzah Haz and the Attorney-General in Jakarta on 27 August 2001.