Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that the issues outlined in detail in a publication (details supplied) is discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council and at the UN; whether measures have been introduced to counteract the persecution and displacement of Christian communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47227/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I strongly condemn 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. 

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.

We actively engage on this issue when raised at the United Nations, including co-sponsoring a resolution at the recent March session of the Human Rights Council. Ireland will also actively engage on the EU led resolution at the forthcoming UN General Assembly Third Committee this autumn.  We frequently call for protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of human rights situations in all UN Member States.

Ireland also engages on the right to freedom of religion or belief in other international fora.  Ireland was  Chair of the Human Dimension Committee of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2023 and 2024. 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.