UN Security Council adopts UK government's freedom of religion resolution

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution incorporating the Bishop of Truro's recommendations on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).

The resolution was sponsored jointly by the governments of the UK and United Arab Emirates. 

It is the first time that the UN Security Council has passed a resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The resolution commits the UN Secretary General to producing an oral report on FoRB-related threats to international peace and security.

The first report is due to be delivered by 14 June 2024 and it is anticipated that this will become an annual event.

The recommendations contained in the resolution draw from a UK government-sponsored review into the persecution of Christians and the state of FoRB globally. 

The review was carried out by the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen, and completed in 2019. It found that persecution was widespread and worsening. 

Recommendations made to the Foreign Office included seeking a Security Council resolution urging Middle East and North African governments to protect Christians and other persecuted minorities. 

Bishop Mounstephen welcomed the UN Security Council's adoption of the resolution. 

"I'm delighted by this news of the implementation of one of the key recommendations of the Truro Review - especially in the light of the fact that last year it was deemed unlikely that any Security Council Resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief would be possible," he said. 

"That it's happened is huge credit to the UK's UN team and speaks volumes of the UK's commitment to this vital human right. This, along with other recent actions, puts this issue firmly on the international geo-political table."

Jeremy Hunt, who commissioned the Truro Review while Foreign Secretary, said: "I'm proud and delighted to see this key recommendation of Bishop Philip's report implemented and send my warm congratulations to the UK team at the UN on their very impressive work."

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".