CHRISTIANS IN AFGHANISTAN

Early day motion 418, tabled 6 July 2010 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 71 members.

That this House is alarmed by the current treatment of converts from Islam to other religions in Afghanistan; notes with concern that following the airing of the controversial television documentary on Afghan Christian converts by a local television station in Afghanistan on 27 May 2010, there has been an anti-Christian reaction in the country; is deeply troubled by the statements made by Afghanistan government officials instructing the Afghan intelligence agency to take immediate and serious action to prevent further conversions from Islam; is saddened by the suspension of two church-based aid organisations on alleged charges of proselytising and is disturbed by the crackdown on converts from Islam which signifies a non-tolerant attitude toward religious freedom; calls on the Afghan government to take all necessary action to safeguard the lives and the rights of all Afghans and expatriates working in Afghanistan; and urges the Government to hold the Afghan government to account and ensure it upholds freedom of religion as guaranteed by the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 11, DUP 7, Alliance 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.