UK government launches new FoRB strategy, prioritising ten countries

CSW welcomes the launch of the UK government’s new Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Strategy, announced by Special Envoy David Smith at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday 8 July.

The strategy outlines a five-point approach to promoting and protecting the right to FoRB globally, with ten priority countries identified for targeted action, namely Afghanistan, Algeria, China, India, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Ukraine and Vietnam.

The launch was attended by parliamentarians, civil society organisations and diplomatic representatives. The strategy was generally welcomed as a timely and necessary initiative to reinvigorate the UK’s role in championing FoRB globally.

Speaking at the event, Special Envoy Smith stated: ‘We must mainstream FoRB into the UK’s foreign policy. This means a proactive approach that works with countries and challenges practices which repress religious communities. This also means ensuring FoRB is integrated into our diplomacy, development work, and trade relationships.’

Smith emphasised the importance of collaborative partnerships, pledging that desk officers working across these priority regions will actively engage with civil society organisations, faith actors, and FoRB advocates to ensure the strategy is implemented effectively.

He also stressed that the FCDO would continue to engage with other situations where FoRB is under threat or severely violated: ‘It is important to say that a more targeted approach does not limit us. […] I will be championing FoRB for all wherever and whenever I can.’

The five-point plan involves upholding and maintaining support for international standards for FoRB within multilateral fora; achieving better outcomes through targeted bilateral engagement; broadening impact by strengthening coalitions for affective action; mainstreaming FoRB and wider human rights considerations across UK foreign policy; and strengthening and widening engagement with civil society.

CSW’s Parliamentary Liaison Officer Chibuzor Tina Amadi said: ‘CSW welcomes the Special Envoy’s strategic approach to embedding FoRB considerations more intentionally within the UK’s foreign policy. The prioritisation of key countries where FoRB violations are widespread and systemic, and where the UK’s interventions can be most effective, provides a critical focus for ongoing government engagement. We also welcome the express commitment to champion FoRB in countries not included in the list where the right is violated egregiously. This must go beyond reactive diplomacy. FoRB considerations should be integral to how the UK engages globally – not just in humanitarian aid, but also in areas such as trade, security cooperation, and development partnerships. In regions where violations are most acute, the UK must use every possible lever to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is respected, protected and promoted as a matter of urgency. CSW remains committed to working with the UK government, alongside other stakeholders, as it ensures the effective implementation of this new strategy.’