To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead on 12 November (WA 223), what assessment they have made of whether the interim constitution of Nepal protects a citizen's right to “have or adopt a religion or belief of his choice” as outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and, if not, whether they will urge the Government of Nepal to honour that obligation in their new constitution. [HL317]

The UK strongly supports the right to freedom of religion or belief. We are disappointed that the interim constitution of Nepal does not guarantee a person's right to choose or change their religion. We will, however, urge the Government of Nepal to ensure that the new constitution provides this right. We are providing technical and financial assistance to the Constituent Assembly to assist it in the drafting of the new constitution. This includes raising its awareness of Nepal's obligations under international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to protect human rights, including the freedom of religion.