Persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has welcomed the launch of the UK government’s new Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Strategy, describing it as a vital step in embedding religious freedom across UK foreign policy.

The strategy, unveiled on 8th July by Special Envoy David Smith at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), outlines a five-point plan to promote and protect FoRB globally. It also highlights ten priority countries for targeted action: Afghanistan, Algeria, China, India, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Ukraine and Vietnam.

The five-point plan includes:

1. Upholding and maintaining support for international standards for FoRB

2. Achieving better outcomes through targeted bilateral engagement

3. Broadening impact by strengthening coalitions 

4. Mainstreaming FoRB and wider human rights considerations across UK foreign policy

5. Strengthening and widening engagement with civil society, faith actors, and FoRB advocates.

Speaking at the launch, Special Envoy David Smith said: “We must mainstream FoRB into the UK’s foreign policy. This means a proactive approach that works with countries and challenges practices which repress religious communities. This also means ensuring FoRB is integrated into our diplomacy, development work, and trade relationships. It is important to say that a more targeted approach does not limit us...I will be championing FoRB for all wherever and whenever I can.”

Smith emphasised the importance of collaborative partnerships, pledging that desk officers working across these priority regions will engage with civil society organisations, faith actors, and FoRB advocates to ensure the strategy is implemented effectively.

CSW’s parliamentary liaison officer, Chibuzor Tina Amadi, said: “The prioritisation of key countries where FoRB violations are widespread and systemic, and where the UK’s interventions can be most effective, provides a critical focus for ongoing government engagement. We also welcome the express commitment to champion FoRB in countries not included in the list where the right is violated egregiously.

"This must go beyond reactive diplomacy. FoRB considerations should be integral to how the UK engages globally – not just in humanitarian aid, but also in areas such as trade, security cooperation, and development partnerships. In regions where violations are most acute, the UK must use every possible lever to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is respected, protected and promoted as a matter of urgency."

The event was attended by parliamentarians, civil society organisations, and diplomatic representatives, many of whom welcomed the strategy as a necessary initiative to bolster the UK’s role in championing religious freedom globally.