Thank you, Madam Moderator, good morning colleagues.
Human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent, mutually reinforcing and crucial to securing lasting peace and security in the world. With more countries engaged in conflict than at any time since the Second World War, we must work harder to ensure respect for human rights.
Vibrant and diverse civic spaces where people can access and enjoy their rights to the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and expression are foundational to governance and democracy. A world where civic space continues to decline is one which is less secure.
Similarly, religious intolerance and persecution fuels instability, impeding both conflict prevention and resolution. However, when freedom of religion or belief is respected, and interreligious dialogue is promoted, we can build trust and understanding between communities, helping to secure sustainable peace.
Last year, the UK was pleased to lead with the UAE a landmark UN Security Council resolution on “Tolerance and International Peace and Security,” which directly addresses, for the first time, the persecution of religious minorities in conflict settings.
In putting into practice our commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief, we must learn the lessons of the past. The global surge in both antisemitism and Islamophobia since October 7th 2023 highlights that there is still much work to be done. All forms of religious hatred are completely unacceptable.
Antisemitism has no place in society, and the UK is determined to tackle it in all its forms. We have committed further funding to the Community Security Trust, enabling them to continue their vital work in protecting UK Jewish communities until 2028.
Alongside domestic action, the UK proudly holds the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance this year. Our presidency’s theme is “In Plain Sight”, drawing attention to the fact that the Holocaust did not happen in a dark corner. Our presidency is focussing on safeguarding remembrance of the Holocaust, securing the narrative for the future and tackling Holocaust distortion.
We are also taking action to support Muslim communities in the UK. Islamophobia is abhorrent and has no place in society. Our Protective Security for Mosques Scheme provides physical protective security measures in both mosques and associated Muslim faith community centres. The Government is also committed to supporting programmes which monitor and support victims of Islamophobia.
The UK welcomes the work of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to foster tolerance and non-discrimination. We proudly support the Office’s programme combatting hate crime in our region.
We must all, individually and collectively, work to build mutual understanding and combat intolerance based on religion or belief. Thank you.
