In a significant move for religious freedom around the world, the UK government has appointed David Smith, MP, as the new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). The appointment, announced in early December 2024, signals the government’s commitment to promoting religious freedom globally and is a response to growing concerns about the persecution of religious minorities in many parts of the world. Smith, a Conservative MP with a strong track record on human rights issues, plays an important role at a time when religious freedom is facing unprecedented challenges around the world.
Important appointment for religious freedom
FoRB’s new envoy was created in 2019 as part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to defend freedom of religion or belief for people of all faiths. The Special Envoy works with international partners, including governments and civil society, to promote religious freedom, combat religious persecution, and support people oppressed because of their faith.
The announcement of Smith’s appointment was welcomed by a variety of religious and human rights groups. According to a statement from the British government, the role will include advocating for religious freedom in diplomatic discussions, strengthening the International Coalition for Religious Freedom, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of religious minorities around the world. Smith’s responsibilities also include monitoring global trends related to religious freedom and providing guidance on how the UK can support vulnerable communities.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) emphasized that the appointment of a dedicated special envoy underlines the UK’s determination to maintain religious freedom as a core principle of its foreign policy.
David Smith: Defender of Religious Liberty
A member of Congress for more than a decade, David Smith is known for his advocacy for human rights and his commitment to religious freedom. Given his background in advocating issues related to freedom of conscience, expression and belief, his appointment to this important position is considered a logical step.
Smith has long been involved in supporting religious communities facing persecution, especially Christians and other minorities in conflict zones such as the Middle East. In his parliamentary work, he has regularly spoken of the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right and has pushed for stronger action, both in the UK and internationally, against regimes that suppress religious expression. Smith’s extensive experience working on humanitarian issues made him a strong advocate for people suffering under repressive regimes.
As the new Special Envoy, Smith will now be tasked with expanding these efforts on a global scale, leveraging his political influence and relationships to drive meaningful change.
Welcoming the Appointment: Reactions from Religious Groups
The appointment has been widely praised by faith-based and advocacy groups across the UK. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a charity focused on helping persecuted Christians around the world, praised Smith’s selection and called it an “important step” toward addressing the growing global crisis of religious persecution. Dr. Neville Kirk Smith, ACN’s UK director, said Smith’s work could lead to better coordinated international efforts to protect vulnerable religious communities, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, where Christians and other religious minorities face violent repression. He said he hoped there would be.
Likewise, Christian Concern, a religious freedom advocacy group, praised the British government’s decision. Christian Concern chief executive Andrea Williams described the appointment as an “important signal” that the UK is serious about protecting religious freedom. Williams emphasized the importance of Smith working with international officials to combat increasing state-sponsored persecution, especially in countries like China and North Korea where freedom of religious practice is severely restricted.
Care, a Christian public policy charity, also welcomed Smith’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of a designated civil servant who can work proactively with international partners to address complex issues posed by religious intolerance and persecution. “Religious freedom is an essential human right wherever it is threatened,” Care said. “We look forward to working with Mr. Smith to ensure that religious freedom is placed at the center of British foreign policy.”
The UK Government’s role in supporting global religious freedom
The creation of the FoRB envoy was part of the UK government’s wider plan to increase religious freedom on the world stage. UK involvement in FoRB issues has historically been strong, with the Government regularly highlighting the issue at the UN and in diplomatic circles. However, with the rise of authoritarian regimes and the continued persecution of religious minorities, the role of special envoys has become increasingly important.
Smith’s predecessor, Fiona Bruce MP, until recently served as FoRB’s special envoy, and during her tenure she made significant progress in raising awareness of religious persecution around the world. She met Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists, Baha’is, Latter-day Saints and everyone else who needed to meet her. Under her leadership, the British government took steps to support vulnerable religious groups, including Yazidis in Iraq, Christians in the Middle East and Uyghur Muslims in China. Smith’s appointment builds on this legacy and experts believe his extensive experience will help increase the UK’s influence on this important issue.
Smith’s work will not only focus on diplomatic efforts, but will also include collaboration with international civil society groups, religious leaders and grassroots organizations directly involved in defending religious freedom. As UK representative, Smith is expected to work with a range of stakeholders to promote international cooperation to address religious persecution.
Challenges ahead
Despite widespread support for Smith’s appointment, significant challenges remain. Religious persecution continues to increase in many parts of the world, with many countries adopting increasingly restrictive policies toward religion and belief. For example, in China, the government continues to impose strong restrictions on religious activities, especially for Christian and Muslim communities. In countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan, religious minorities such as Christians, Yazidis and Hindus continue to face violence, discrimination and displacement.
The role of special envoy is not without its challenges. Defending religious freedom in countries with hostile regimes can be politically sensitive, and special envoys must carefully balance diplomatic priorities with the need to confront human rights abuses. Moreover, given the complexities of global geopolitics, there will be instances where the UK’s position on religious freedom may conflict with its economic or strategic interests in certain regions.
However, based on Smith’s experience and commitment to the cause, the UK government’s FoRB approach appears poised to continue making meaningful progress in the global fight for religious freedom.
Conclusion: A beacon for global religious freedom
The appointment of David Smith as the UK’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief marks an important step forward in the fight to protect religious freedom around the world. In an era of increasing persecution and intolerance, Smith’s work will be essential in highlighting the plight of religious minorities and advocating for their rights on the world stage.
With the support of religious and human rights groups, the UK’s commitment to religious freedom is stronger than ever, and Prime Minister Smith’s appointment means the UK is ready to continue to play a leading role in defending these fundamental human rights. As the world’s attention increasingly turns to issues of religious freedom, the role of the Special Envoy will remain critical in shaping the global response and ensuring freedom to practice faith for all.
