In my visits to Iraq, I have been much impressed that Christian charities and churches have worked tirelessly for the relief of all communities, and that this is acknowledged by the leaders of those communities. In advocating greater freedoms for Christians in Iran, we cannot ignore the terrible plight of the Baha’i there. In making public the disproportionate victimisation of Christians under Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws, we cannot remain silent about the frequent acts of violence carried out against the Ahmadiyya.

But the vast majority of religious persecution in our world today – upwards of 75 per cent – is directed against Christians, much of it in the Islamic world. Some of this is because of extremist groups like the Al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria and Iraq, Boko Haram in West Africa and the so-called Lashkars in Pakistan. Some takes place because of discriminatory laws and customs. Many leaders in the Islamic world are aware of this situation. Courageous scholars have argued for a reframing of Shari’a-based laws on matters like apostasy and blasphemy. In many countries, however, the extremist narrative remains powerful and prevents even debate about change.

Everything must be done to persuade countries to honour their obligations under the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which most countries have signed up to. Access for UN-appointed rapporteurs on freedom of religious belief should be required of member states. Bilateral relations between the UK and other countries need to have an element of respect for fundamental freedoms, including that of religion or belief. Sanctions could be considered against those who promote teachings of hate and violence towards those who are different from them.

When it comes to those fleeing religious persecution, the UK cannot continue its “faith blind” policies. Some communities, especially Christians, are particularly at risk, and should be considered for asylum here. It is not good enough to claim, as in the case of Syria or Iraq, that we are selecting people from UN-run camps when Christians are largely not in these camps because of the fear of Islamist extremism there.