Strengthening coalitions for action on freedom of religion or belief: UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief speech, November 2025

The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, gave a speech at an event marking the 5th anniversary of the Article 18 Alliance held at the Prague Castle, Czechia.

"Excellencies, colleagues and friends. It is an honour to follow such powerful and brave speakers, and my privilege to be speaking here today as the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, or FoRB.

Some of you will know of my background before politics, including my work with Tearfund and the Bible Society. Believe me then when I say that the promotion and protection of FoRB is something very close to my heart, as indeed I am sure it is for you too.

It is almost a year since I became UK Special Envoy and, in that time, I have met with a wide range of experts, activists and international partners – many of you here today – to build my understanding of the opportunities we have, to make a difference. This includes through the important work of the Article 18 Alliance, which Robert Řehák has so ably led since 2024.

You are all aware of the scale of the challenge we face globally. But some facts bear repeating.

Aid to the Church in Need's 2025 Religious Freedom in the World Report estimates that over 5.4 billion people, nearly two thirds of the world's population, live in countries where serious FoRB violations or abuses occur.

According to the Pew Research Centre, the number of countries with “high” or “very high” levels of government restrictions on FoRB, is at its highest level since 2007. And social hostilities involving religion are also on the rise.

Worsening authoritarianism, including restrictions on the freedom of assembly, war and conflict, and increasing religious nationalism are driving persecution on the basis of religion or belief.

UK FoRB strategy

But in the context of these global challenges, the UK is taking action. In July, the UK launched a new and ambitious FoRB strategy that reflects our belief that FoRB is central to global stability.

Indeed, FoRB demonstrates the core principle that human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

If you have no freedom to worship, you have no freedom of assembly.

If you have no freedom of belief, you have no freedom of conscience.

If you have no freedom to share your faith, you have no freedom of speech.

If you have no freedom to practice your faith or belief you are not equal in dignity and rights.

Our strategy comprises five core strands of work: multilateral advocacy; targeted bilateral engagement; mainstreaming FoRB across our foreign policy; increasing civil society engagement and strengthening coalitions for collective action.

My presence here today, speaking to you now, is a commitment to this last point.

The UK is proud to be a member of this Alliance, as well as the International Contact Group on FoRB. And our resolve remains steadfast in supporting and ensuring that we maintain these groupings.

Celebrating successes of A18A

I am glad to say that the UK has been a committed member since the Alliance's inception, and together we have achieved remarkable progress. It is right that we celebrate that here today. In just five years, membership has grown from 22 to 38 states, plus friends and observers. This speaks to our shared commitment to FoRB and the value of this platform. I pay tribute to our chairs and members, and of course to Ambassador Brownback.

Our collaboration has delivered real impact. Joint statements have condemned antisemitism; the persecution of Christians and anti-Muslim hatred. The Alliance have challenged violations across the globe, including defending religious freedom in Tibet, Ukraine, and Nicaragua. These actions and more demonstrate the strength of our united stance.

The Working Groups show how states and civil society experts can work together to practically address shared challenges, such as protecting FoRB in the digital age. And the Alliance's platform now provides a critical central resource for research and best practice, a tool for present and for future advocates.

Most importantly, our efforts have helped to change lives. In 2023, engagement by the Alliance helped secure the release of Hannah Abdimalik in Somaliland, and Shamil Khakimov in Tajikistan.

And I am delighted that Mubarak Bala, and Pastor Lorenzo in Cuba have been able to share their stories here today. The UK was proud to support the campaigns for their release, including through an open letter from our former Foreign Secretary and partnership with Humanists International. These victories remind us that when we act together, we make a real difference.

Looking to the future

Their stories, and those Rushan Abbas has shared with us today underline just how much remains to be done. As we look ahead, our mission must evolve with purpose and urgency.

The scale of the challenge demands collective action. The Article 18 Alliance is not just a coalition of the willing, it is a force for change. I humbly suggest three areas of focus:

First, we must expand our Alliance. The strength of our voice lies in its diversity. As Rushan noted in her intervention, “Silence is the oxygen of tyranny.” Let us actively seek new partners, especially in underrepresented regions. Growth means reach and reach means impact.

Second, we must continue our targeted efforts. Reform of discriminatory laws and championing of individual cases of persecution remain urgent. Let us use every available mechanism; from the UN's Universal Periodic Review to bilateral diplomacy, to deeper engagement with civil society and human rights defenders, to champion FoRB for all. Our words matter. Our coordinated action matters more.

Third, we must mainstream FoRB in foreign policy. FoRB is not a niche concern; it is central to global stability. It intersects with migration, conflict, and development.

Persecution on the basis of religion or belief drives displacement, fuels extremism, and undermines prosperity. The UK's strategy recognises this. Let us align our efforts and make FoRB a core pillar of international engagement.

We are many, and we are one. Let us build on what we have started and go further.

In closing, I'd like to call on the words of former US President Jimmy Carter:

Because we are free, we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere.

Thank you"