Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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26. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he recognises that the persecution of Christians worldwide is a growing trend internationally; the steps being taken by his Department to highlight and combat this practice, especially in states or jurisdictions that Ireland supports through its various overseas aid programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2392/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The promotion of freedom of religion or belief is a priority in Ireland’s human rights engagement at multilateral and bilateral levels. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief) is a fundamental freedom, provided for under Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including instances when Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith. Ireland consistently raises issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of the human rights situation in all UN Member States. At recent Universal Periodic Reviews, Ireland has raised concerns related to freedom of religion or belief in countries where religious minorities, including Christians, have faced discrimination or persecution, such as in Iran, Brunei Darussalam, Nicaragua, and India.

Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 (now extended to 2027) includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief.

In 2023 and 2024, Ireland was the Chair of the Human Dimension Committee of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Tolerance and non-discrimination were a particular focus of Ireland’s work throughout this period. For example, in October 2024, the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the OSCE hosted a side event in Warsaw with civil society and the three Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chair-in-Office on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, including Dr Regina Polak, the Personal Representative on racism, xenophobia, and discrimination, including against Christians and members of other religions.

Ireland is a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG), which was established in 2015. The purpose of the group is to encourage and deepen coordination between countries committed to advancing religious freedom. Since joining the ICG, Ireland has participated in bi-annual meetings to discuss ways in which the ICG can combine efforts in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all.