Today, the APPG on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) hosted a parliamentary event in collaboration with the Aid to the Church in Need UK, exploring challenges and opportunities in Iraq for Religious Freedom. The event brought together parliamentarians, civil society organisations and advocates to consider the situation of Yazidis and Christians in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It was insightful and inspiring to see the progress that has been made over the years, while also discussing with hope the change that is need to improve the conditions and liberties of all.

“We are committed to highlighting not only state-sponsored persecution but also the everyday barriers and threats that can restrict freedom of belief” – Jim Shannon MP

We were joined by John Pontifex and Elliott Banks who attended the delegation, alongside Julie Jones and Jim Shannon MP. Speakers addressed the religious context and history of Iraq, the pre-eminence of Islam in the law and the implications this has for religious minorities in the nation. The APPG also had an opportunity to highlight the ongoing collaboration with the FCDO on religious freedom, specifically in Iraq. The FCDO integrates FoRB into both political engagement and programming in Iraq, including raising minority protections at senior levels and we will continue to have these conversations with them on our 10 priority countries.

If you are interested in reading the full report for this delegation, you can find it here.