Written Question: Religious Persecution in Turkmenistan

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Turkmenistan concerning the targeting of Christian communities including (1) the monitoring of Christian leaders and (2) the harassment of Christian converts; and what steps they are taking to ensure the promotion of religious freedom in the country.

Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Lady Chapman of Darlington: The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief. We highlight this issue at the UN, via the G7 and as a member of the Article 18 Alliance. Our Embassy in Ashgabat has contact with representatives of different faith groups, as well as visiting UK faith representatives, to discuss issues they face in practicing their religion in Turkmenistan. In Turkmenistan's most recent UN Universal Periodic Review in 2023, the UK raised concerns about freedom of association. We continue to seek opportunities to raise concerns at the UN and other international fora, where appropriate.