It is almost impossible to conceive of the depth of the ordeal faced by these women and others abducted by ISIL, including rape, forced marriage, sexual abuse, forced conversion, and being sold as slaves. 

I have clear assurances from the Government that it is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief for Christians and individuals of all faiths or beliefs around the world and to being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. 

I am extremely concerned about the persecution of other religious minorities in the Middle East such as Christians and want to work to a future where children can practice their faith without fear. 
 
I was encouraged that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Freedom of Religion or Belief in her recent Christmas message, reaffirming the UK's determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to speak about and practice their beliefs in peace and safety. 
 
I know that promoting and defending Freedom of Religion or Belief is a foreign policy priority for the Government, particularly as we celebrate 70 years of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
 
Freedom of religion or belief matters because faith guides the daily lives of more than 80 per cent of the world's population and because promoting tolerance and respect for all helps us to have inclusive societies that are more stable, prosperous and better able to resist extremism.     
 
The UK recently worked with international partners to sustain consensus on the adoption and implementation of the European Union-sponsored Resolution on 'Freedom of Religion or Belief' and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation-sponsored Resolution on 'Combating Religious Intolerance'.
 
Furthermore, in his statement in September, at the UN Human Rights Council, FCO Minister, Lord Ahmad, reiterated the importance of working together towards the full realisation of Freedom of Religion or Belief for all individuals worldwide and the UK also strongly supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the exhibition due to prior parliamentary commitments but I hope you have been assured of the importance both I and the Government place on religious freedom and thank you again for taking the time to contact me.