MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for greater EU efforts to combat Christianophobia

B9‑0106/2021

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the need for greater EU efforts to combat Christianophobia

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas, according to the latest figures from the World Watch List on Christian persecution compiled by the NGO Open Doors, more than 340 million Christians are being persecuted worldwide, and whereas in 2020 a total of 4 761 Christians were killed, 4 277 arrested and 1 710 abducted, mainly in Africa and Asia at the hands of regimes hostile to Christian beliefs;

B. whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in discrimination and harassment against Christians in China, where online preaching has also been banned;

C. whereas the EU enters into trade agreements with non-European countries that persecute Christians;

D. whereas religious freedom is a human right enshrined in European and international declarations and conventions, and whereas a requirement to uphold human rights is incorporated in EU trade agreements with non-European countries;

1. Calls on the Commission to take stronger action to protect Christians against the ever more frequent violence they face worldwide;

2. Urges the Commission to pay more attention to ensuring that non-European countries with which the EU has concluded trade agreements uphold human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, and stop persecuting Christians.