UK appoints a special envoy to promote religious freedom abroad

The government of the United Kingdom announced it will “demonstrate the country’s commitment to religious freedom by promoting inter-faith respect and dialogue internationally”.

Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief to “promote the UK’s firm stance on religious tolerance abroad, helping to tackle religious discrimination in countries where minority faith groups face persecution”, the government said.

Tariq Ahmad.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, a Muslim, will work with faith groups and governments across the world. “In too many parts of the world, religious minorities are persecuted, discriminated against and treated as second class citizens”, he said. “As a man of faith, I feel this very keenly”.

“Freedom of Religion or Belief is a human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It must be respected”, he added. “People from all faiths or none should be free to practise as they wish. This respect is key to global stability, and is in all our interests”.

MAY: GUARANTEEING RIGHT TO “PRACTSE FAITH FREE OF FEAR”

Theresa May said: “Religious discrimination blights the lives of millions of people across the globe and leads to conflict and instability. Both here and abroad, individuals are being denied the basic right of being able to practise their faith free of fear”.