Navigating the corridors of advocacy in Parliament

‘I am deeply committed to enhancing CSW’s presence and advocacy in Parliament,’ says Chibuzor, who joined CSW as UK Liaison last year. Read on to discover how she is helping CSW make a difference – especially in this general election year.

Tell us about your role.

Put simply, I work to bring CSW’s expertise into Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office or FCDO. My role extends beyond forums and inquiries into the very fabric of parliamentary processes and international diplomacy.

I have had the privilege of drafting speeches and briefings for numerous Members of Parliament, Lords, and Bishops – providing them with detailed research and poignant cases from the countries we advocate for, including China, Vietnam, North Korea, Myanmar/Burma, Iran and many more.

What encourages and humbles me the most is the trusted position CSW holds. Our research and data are relied upon, our perspectives sought after, and our contributions to parliamentary speeches are a testament to our influence and credibility.

‘We believe our research and analysis enable policy-makers to stand up for freedom of religion or belief.’

CSW’s manifesto #4

It’s important that we maintain a good working relationship with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Our interaction with FCDO ministers has been vital in bridging any potential gaps between our advocacy efforts in the UK and diplomatic engagements abroad. This meticulous process ensures that our diplomatic posts are provided with rich data, compelling facts, and credible reports from real people that engender meaningful engagement.

I also proactively support the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief. This is a cross-party group of parliamentarians who seek to raise the profile of this crucial human right. We have engaged in numerous discussions covering a wide range of geographical regions and issues – from women’s rights to freedom of religion or belief in countries like Cuba, Nigeria and Pakistan.

Why does CSW’s presence in Parliament matter?

We play a pivotal role in monitoring and reporting on violations of freedom of religion or belief worldwide and supporting grassroots efforts to protect this essential human right.

My work is instrumental in providing the FCDO and parliamentarians with timely and accurate data so that the latter can table questions in Parliament and conduct inquiries, while the former can feed into government policy. I’m also tasked with ensuring the UK holds governments and non-state actors accountable for religious discrimination and persecution.

How did the general election impact your work?

The start of 2024 set the stage for the crucial general election in July. We made it a priority to help our UK supporters engage effectively with parliamentary candidates – to help put human rights at the heart of the election. After all, if freedom of religion or belief matters to you, it should matter to your incoming MPs too!

Encouragingly, over 700 messages were sent to candidates across the UK, urging them to prioritise human rights (including freedom of religion or belief) if elected. Thank you for raising your voice! As well as creating this email template, we also drafted a guide with questions to ask at hustings events, plus a fact sheet for parliamentary candidates too.

What else have you been focusing on this year?

A key part of our advocacy this year has involved working towards enshrining the position of Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief into law. The Special Envoy is an important role, and making it permanent would show that the UK is serious about advocating for this fundamental freedom in the long-term.

Now that we are post-election, with a new government, I have been working with the APPG for FoRB and The Labour Party to prepare the new Special Envoy for her role and continue the enshrinement of the position into law.

‘Regrettably, too many Governments view [freedom of religion or belief] merely as a topic of niche interest,’ former FoRB Envoy Fiona Bruce MP said following the second reading of the Bill. ‘But [it] is not a niche topic, and that perception has to change.’

In collaboration with Fiona Bruce’s office, we have engaged deeply in the legislative process, sharing information within our networks and actively participating in parliamentary hearings and debates. Unfortunately, the snap election meant there was no time for the Bill pass.

I have also concentrated on deepening our engagement with left-leaning Members of Parliament, particularly from the Labour Party, which is now in government. We aim to ensure that CSW’s mandate resonates within Labour’s broader vision, thereby fostering a robust alliance that continues to champion the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.

What has been a highlight?

One of the highlights of this year was preparing for an extensive inquiry on China, scheduled for this summer. This inquiry – a collaborative effort involving CSW, the APPG FoRB and the office of the former FoRB Envoy – aims to delve into the complex issues involving religious freedom and human rights defenders in the region.

What encourages you to keep going?

I am particularly enthusiastic about enhancing our support for human rights defenders; those who stand boldly in the face of injustice and oppression. Their courage and resilience is truly awe-inspiring. In the coming months, I am committed to developing new strategies to support these brave individuals in Parliament by providing them with the necessary assistance they need to advance their activism.

Whether you’re a CSW supporter in the UK or elsewhere around the world, I want to encourage you to continue raising awareness in your communities about the challenges faced by those who are targeted for their beliefs worldwide. Through prayer circles, social media advocacy, or direct communication with local politicians, every action counts. By leveraging our collective influence, we can keep the conversation of freedom of religion or belief alive and at the forefront of the national agenda.