Given the current state of the geopolitical landscape and the grave implications for minority religious communities, the reappointment of a special envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) has felt a long time coming. Nevertheless, the government has delivered an early Christmas present in the announcement of David Smith MP to take on the role. The newly-elected MP, representing North Northumberland, is an extremely promising prospect.
Prior to entering Parliament in July, Smith, a professing Christian, served in senior posts within major Christian NGOs including Tearfund and the Bible Society. His experience will serve him well as he engages internationally, and as he navigates the broad civil society space that will be clamouring for his attention. His personal faith will no doubt equip him with a nuanced recognition of the dynamics and an appreciation for the cause.
Smith will enter the office to a full inbox. The Israel-Palestine conflict, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and now the toppling of President Assad by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham represent only the most prominent geopolitical convulsions with implications for religious freedom. In Syria, while the termination of a protracted conflict and a murderous regime is absolutely to be celebrated, and the leader of HTS, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has given assurances that engender hope, the picture for religious minorities, some of which lent support to al-Assad in exchange for their security, is precarious.
There are myriad other emerging challenges, as well as long-standing issues such as those in Algeria, China, Nigeria and Iran about which proper awareness and attention are required from the Government to grapple with the religious and ideological dynamics and implications for faith communities. Such considerations, as policy positions are developed and as diplomats seek to engage, are not simply a fringe humanitarian concern but are also vital to securing a serious understanding of the broader dynamics and for the pursuit of the UK’s strategic interests. Religious freedom, and its absence, have significant connotations for civil and economic stability, both regionally and globally.
Prior to the election, the UK had developed a position as a global leader, alongside the United States, in the promotion of religious freedom internationally and there is hope that Smith’s appointment will return us to that position. His predecessor as special envoy, Fiona Bruce, served consecutive terms as the Chair of the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Alliance (IRFBA), known as the Article 18 Alliance, which is an alliance of 43 nations represented at government level with a mandate to promote religious freedom around the world. Smith will be warmly invited to revive the UK’s leadership within the context of this important coalition.
The cause of religious freedom is complex and challenging. For all the attention given and energy expended, and the enhanced prioritisation in foreign policy over recent decades, the landscape is bleak and declining. We are witnessing the ongoing rise of extremisms of various shades, along with authoritarian dictatorships operating with a developed sense of impunity as they repress their minority religious communities. In addition, the horrors of October 7 in Israel, and the subsequent response, has not only deepened hostility to the religious other in the Middle East and North Africa, it has also spilled into Europe and beyond. This has proved fertile ground for intolerance, hatred and persecution following years of polarisation, high levels of migration and economic decline.
In order to have a positive impact in this context, the new special envoy will need to go beyond statements and awareness-raising. These are important, but alone bear little fruit. There are opportunities to develop efforts to ensure that intelligent and strategic diplomatic methods are deployed, new tools for the documentation of violations are developed, and new deterrents are cultivated, along with the political will in Whitehall and the embassies to engage seriously. International partnerships and multilateral efforts will be vital if we are to move the needle towards progress.
The appointment of David Smith to the role of Religious Freedom Envoy is very welcome. There is also hope that the UK Government will support the revived Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill which is once again making its way through Parliament and which would place the special envoy position on a statutory footing. This would be a sensible step in light of the scale and significance of the challenge and the need for sustained government attention. The gift of a special envoy should be permanent, not just for Christmas!
The task ahead of Smith is daunting, but he will find a multitude of allies in the international community and civil society space ready to support and partner with him as he champions religious freedom around the world.
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