Thank you for contacting me about Christian women across the world.
I recognise the importance of defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities alike. Like you, I was shocked and alarmed by the facts and figures regarding Christian persecution in the Open Doors World Watch List 2025. This makes clear the importance of championing FoRB. Moreover, I recognise that women and girls from religious minorities can often suffer because of both their gender and their faith. In some parts of the world, Christian women face discrimination and may be at heightened risk of persecution and other criminal acts. The Government’s development work must address the specific vulnerabilities experienced by Christian women and girls and other religious communities.
I am proud that FoRB was one of the previous UK Government's long-standing human rights priorities. The last Government worked to embed FoRB considerations across the UK’s foreign policy and appointed the UK's first ever Special Envoy for FoRB. This reflected Conservative ministers’ desire to strengthen the UK’s international work in this area. I believe that it is vital that the current Government continues this work. After months of questioning from the Opposition, it is welcome news that the Government has now appointed a Special Envoy for FoRB.
History has shown us that where freedom of religion or belief is under threat, other human rights may also be at risk. In my view, it is vital that the Government builds on the work of their predecessors and continues to defend and promote this fundamental right by protecting those who could be at risk from persecution for their gender or for their faith.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
