Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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127. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions the Government is taking to address the growing persecution of Christians worldwide, particularly in light of the recent abduction and murder of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Nigeria; if he will raise concerns at international forums about the increasing number of attacks on Christian communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15158/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where it occurs or who the victims are. This includes where Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith. We consistently raise 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.

Promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief is a priority for Ireland, both nationally and across our international engagements. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in international law.

I am very concerned by all attacks on religious, ethnic and minority groups in Nigeria and wish to condemn the abduction and murder of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in northern Nigeria in early March. I understand the Nigerian security services have arrested two people in connection with this crime.

During recent UPR sessions, Ireland raised concerns and made recommendations related to freedom of religion or belief in countries where religious minorities, including Christians, have faced discrimination or persecution. Most recently, these concerns were raised at the reviews of Iran, Brunei Darussalam, Nicaragua, and India.

In 2023 and 2024, Ireland was the Chair of the Human Dimension Committee of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). During our tenure, promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination in the OSCE area was a priority focus for Ireland.

Ireland is a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG). Since joining, 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.