Alistair Burt MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH

Date: April 16^th 2013

Dear Alistair,

I am writing to you to share my constituents’ concern about the persecution of religious minorities around the world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. A recent report by the charity Open Doors found that the persecution of Christians is increasing in these regions.

Violations of Article 18 and the right to freedom of religion and belief significantly increased in Africa in 2012, according to the report. Countries of particular concern include Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, as well as Iraq, Egypt and Syria in the Middle East.

I would appreciate your assurance that the FCO will work to protect the rights of religious minorities worldwide and an update on what action has been taken specifically in the Middle East and North Africa that I can share with my constituents.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

Read the ministerial response here.