In many situations around the world, issues involving religion or belief either create or worsen instability, destabilising international peace and security. Despite this, there is no overarching consensus on practical steps to enhance the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) within a broader foreign policy framework.
A robust UK foreign policy that integrates FoRB would necessitate a multifaceted approach, strategically weaving FoRB into various aspects of international engagement. Such a policy would not only cement the UK’s commitment to human rights but also enhance its global influence by promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations. Here is a comprehensive outline of what this foreign policy could look like:
1. Diplomatic Engagement
Special Envoy for FoRB: Establish a ministerial-level Special Envoy for FoRB to advocate for FoRB globally. This envoy would engage with international organisations, foreign governments, and civil society to address FoRB violations and promote interfaith engagement. In particular, the envoy would continue the UK’s admirable contributions to the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA).
Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy: Incorporate FoRB into diplomatic dialogues and agreements. Ensure that discussions on trade, security, and other bilateral issues include FoRB considerations. Work within multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, to push for stronger protections for FoRB at international level, including utilising permanent membership of the Security Council to place egregious violations on the agenda and push for concerted action.
FoRB in Foreign Service Training: Provide comprehensive training on FoRB for diplomats , equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify violations and advocate for justice effectively in host countries.
2. Trade Policy
FoRB Clauses in Trade Agreements: Include FoRB provisions in all new trade agreements. These clauses should require trading partners to demonstrate a commitment to protecting FoRB as a condition for accessing preferential trade terms.
Ethical Trade Practices: Promote ethical trade practices that prioritise human rights, including FoRB. Encourage businesses to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies that support FoRB, and penalise those that engage in or tolerate religious discrimination or other religion-related violations.
Trade Incentives: Offer economic incentives to countries that show measurable improvements in their FoRB records. This could include reduced tariffs, increased trade quotas, and other benefits.
3. Foreign Aid and Development
FoRB-Focused Aid Programs: Allocate a significant portion of the foreign aid budget to programs that promote and protect FoRB. This could include funding for civic education initiatives, interfaith dialogue programs, and support for religious and belief minority communities.
Civil Society Support: Provide grants and technical assistance to civil society organisations working on FoRB issues. Support grassroots movements that advocate for religious tolerance and the protection of religious and belief minorities.
Conditional Aid: Where necessary, link foreign aid disbursements to FoRB benchmarks. Ensure that recipient countries demonstrate a commitment to upholding FoRB and protecting religious and belief minorities.
4. Immigration and Asylum Policy
Refugee Protection: Establish clear and compassionate policies for granting asylum to individuals facing religious persecution. Create expedited pathways for asylum seekers who are fleeing religion-related violations.
Safe Pathways: Work with international partners to create safe pathways for individuals fleeing religious persecution, ensuring they can reach the UK and other safe havens without facing expulsion or additional threats.
5. International Advocacy and Awareness
Research and Reporting: Fund research initiatives that document FoRB violations and the situation of FoRB worldwide. Use this data to inform policy decisions and international advocacy efforts.
Educational Exchange Programs: Promote educational exchange programs that foster understanding and respect for religious diversity. Encourage students, scholars, and professionals – especially, human rights defenders – to engage in dialogues and research on FoRB
6. Military and Security Policy
Human Rights in Security Training: Ensure that UK military and security personnel are trained on the importance of FoRB and other human rights. Integrate these principles into training programmes, peacekeeping missions and military engagements.
Security Assistance: Condition security assistance to other countries on their commitment to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including FoRB. Provide training and resources to help these countries improve their FoRB records.
Countering Extremism: Develop comprehensive strategies to counter religious extremism and terrorism that respect human rights, including FoRB. Work with international partners to address the root causes of religious violence and promote community resilience.
Key Strategies for Integrating FoRB into UK Foreign Policy
The integration of FoRB into UK foreign policy should be pursued on the basis of a six-part strategy. In seeking to give effect to the strategy, the UK should aim to work through existing international institutions to improve mechanisms, secure agreement, and help advance approaches that are based on the principles set out. In particular, the UK should continue to work through the United Nations and alongside the European Union. It should also work with, and through, non-governmental organisations, other individual states, and trade unions, depending on the context. All the parts need to be in place to form an effective whole; there is no single, comprehensive mechanism for the protection of FoRB in the international field.
A UK foreign policy that robustly integrates FoRB would position the country as a global leader in human rights advocacy. By embedding FoRB into diplomatic efforts, trade policies, foreign aid, immigration policies, and international advocacy, the new Labour government can promote a more just and peaceful world. This comprehensive approach would not only protect the rights of individuals to practice their religion or belief freely, but would also foster international stability and mutual respect among nations. CSW hopes to see the Labour Party take these recommendations on board.
By CSW’s UK Liaison Officer Chibuzor