§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what help his Department offers other Governments who are in the process of 525W drafting new laws in the areas of (a) religious freedom and (b) cults to ensure that there is no discrimination against Christian minorities. [28314]
§ Peter HainPromotion of human rights is at the heart of our foreign policy and we regard freedom of thought, conscience and religion as very important human rights. We condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, 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. Where necessary, we remind Governments of the need to comply with their international obligations and to uphold freedom of religion.
We also support, including through financial assistance, the work of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and its Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights which, inter alia, offer technical assistance on legislation. For example, in 2001, their advisory panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion helped develop a package for Armenian schools on religious tolerance, prepared a draft law on the Status of Religious Associations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and expanded a website to gather and identify examples of legislative best practice on Freedom of Religion.