Protection of religious minorities is a priority of the government
Christians and other religious minorities are under duress in many parts of the world – not least the Middle East and North Africa, says foreign minister Samuelsen
Development Minister Ulla Tørnæs announcing the ministry's new strategy. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Danish government has announced that they will increase their efforts to protect religious minorities who are facing persecution.
Foreign Minister, Anders Samuelsen, and Development Minister, Ulla Tørnæs, held a meeting with a number of faith-based organisations, experts and politicians after which they met with the press and announced their new strategy.
“Christians and other religious minorities are under duress in many parts of the world – not least the Middle East and North Africa. Strengthening the international co-operation for the protection of Christian minorities is a priority of the government,” said Samuelsen according to Copenhagen Post.
“We must work to promote religious freedom in the world, as conveyed by the government’s strategies concerning foreign affairs and security. Everyone should freely be able to practice their religion without fearing persecution or discrimination,” said Samuelsen.
The government will work in close co-operation with faith-based organisations specialised in mission and development, including Danmission, Danish Mission Council and Council on International Relations of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Denmark whose chairman lauds the initiative as “a milestone in Danish foreign policy”.
