109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any recent discussion in EU Councils on Foreign Affairs or in other fora regarding the persecution of Christians around the world; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53985/26]

The protection and promotion of human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief, is a core tenet of Ireland's foreign policy. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, (more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief) is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including instances when Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith.

Ireland consistently raises issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of the human rights situation in all UN Member States. Most recently, at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in March 2026, Ireland restated our concern for the persecution of people, including of Christians, on the basis of their religion.

Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address the persecution of religious communities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, which is now extended to 2027, includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief. During our EU Presidency, Ireland will work to further strengthen the EU’s efforts in this area.

In January of this year the Council of the European Union approved the EU’s priorities in United Nations Human Rights Fora which, included a call upon States to uphold freedom of religion or belief, as enshrined in article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. I support this call and am ready to continue to show Ireland’s unwavering support for these fundamental rights, both nationally and at multilateral fora.

I welcome the appointment by the European Commission of Mairead McGuinness as the EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) outside the EU. As Special Envoy, she is working closely with the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), EU Member States, local governments and organisations, religious groups, and civil society.

Furthermore, Ireland is a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG), which was established in 2015. The purpose of the group is to encourage and deepen coordination between countries committed to advancing religious freedom. Since joining the ICG, Ireland has participated in bi-annual meetings to discuss ways in which the ICG can combine efforts in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all.

Ireland is committed to advancing the freedom of religion or belief in our multilateral and bilateral engagements.