Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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341. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised concerns regarding the persecution of Christians to the relevant international forums (details supplied); and the steps his Department is taking to raise awareness for and combat Christian persecution in other countries. [15012/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. The promotion of freedom of religion or belief is a priority area for my Department, and Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We work closely with our partners in the European Union on this important question.

At a multilateral level, the right to freedom of religion or belief features prominently in Ireland’s engagement at the United Nations including in the General Assembly, at the Human Rights Council, and during our recent term on the Security Council. Ireland consistently co-sponsors resolutions on freedom of religion or belief at the UN General Assembly and at the Human Rights Council.

Last week, during the 52^ndsession of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland strongly condemned all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including the oppression of Christians, and highlighted our concerns at the rise in incidents of religious hatred, discrimination, and intolerance. Ireland called on States to ensure that religious communities can manifest their right to freedom of religion or belief and to contribute to society openly and on an equal footing.

Ireland also actively participates in intergovernmental alliances dedicated to religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities, including the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.