Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any representations made directly to the Chinese Government in relation to the Christians in China or more generally regarding freedom of religion in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29322/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are, which includes where Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith.

Ireland regularly discusses human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities in bilateral meetings and in the appropriate multilateral fora, including with regard to the right to freedom of religious belief and freedom of expression. Both the Taoiseach and I raised our long-held concerns in relation to human rights in China, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to Ireland in February this year.

In addition to bilateral engagement, Ireland also addresses human rights in China as a member of the European Union. The issue of freedom of religion and belief was raised during the most recent EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held in June 2024.The EU noted the particularly vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities across China and called for the release of individuals deprived of their liberty for exercising their right of freedom of religion or belief. The next EU-China Human Rights dialogue will take place in Brussels on 13 June 2025, where the issue of freedom of religion will once again be on the agenda.

At the March 2025 session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland reiterated our concerns regarding restrictions on civic space in China and treatment of religious minorities in our national Item 4 statement. Ireland also joined the EU Statement, in which China was urged to abide by its obligations under national and international law to respect, protect and fulfil the rule of law and human rights for all persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious or other groups and minorities across China.

At the same session, Ireland, along with all EU Member States, cosponsored the resolution on freedom of religion or belief, which extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a further three years.

In addition to contributing to EU statements and resolutions, Ireland regularly makes national statements on the right to freedom of religion and belief at UN fora. In a national statement at the Human Rights Council in March 2024, Ireland expressed concern about the rise in attacks and hate speech, both online and offline, on the basis of religious belief, including the oppression of Christians. Ireland called on all states to enact laws prohibiting incitement to discrimination or violence, and highlighted the important role played by civil society in combatting religious hatred.

The protection and promotion of universal human rights is one of Ireland's core foreign policy priorities. Ireland will continue to address human rights concerns with China, both bilaterally and as a member of the EU, through our contacts in Dublin and Beijing, and through the relevant multilateral channels.