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Thursday, 10 May 2012
Page: 4670

Coptic Christians in Egypt

(Question No. 874)

Mr Craig Kelly asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 27 February 2012:

In respect of the motion carried by the House on 'Coptic Christians in Egypt' (Votes and Proceedings, 13 October 2011, page 991), what action has the Australian Government taken, specifically, has it; (a) issued a public statement condemning the ongoing attacks against the Coptic Christian minority in Egypt, (b) made representations to the United Nations to end the persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, and (c) strongly urged the Egyptian Government to provide equal rights to all Egyptian citizens regardless of race or religion; if so, (i) on what date(s), (ii) what was said, and (iii) what response was received (if any); if not, why not.

Dr Emerson: The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(a) Yes

19 March 2012: Address to Parliament by Senator Carr

10 October 2011: Joint Press Statement by the Prime Minister, Ms Gillard and the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Rudd.

(b) Yes

(c) Yes

(i) 19 March 2012; 15 February 2012; 18 October 2011; 11 October 2011

In addition to these specific representations, the Australian Ambassador and other diplomatic staff at the Australian Embassy in Cairo regularly discuss the situation of Copts, express concerns about violence and discrimination, and urge equal treatment in meetings with Egyptian political and religious figures.

Expressions of support to the Coptic Community have been made at the highest levels, including through a statement of condolence by Prime Minister Gillard on 18 March after the death of Pope Shenouda and the attendance of the Australian Ambassador at the Pope's funeral on 20 March.

(ii) Addressing Parliament on 19 March, I (Senator Carr) noted the tragic loss of life caused by ongoing sectarian violence in Egypt and called on the Egyptian government to ensure equal treatment and protection under the law for all Egyptians. I (Senator Carr) said it was critical that religious freedoms were protected and that Egypt's transition was just and inclusive.

In other representations the Australian Government has:

Expressed concern at incidents of sectarian violence and loss of life in clashes of 9 October 2011;

Sought assurances from Egyptian authorities on equal treatment for Egyptian citizens;

Called on Egypt to meet its undertaking to enhance legal protection for all religious minorities including through implementation of a "unified law" on houses of worship and a law to criminalise religious discrimination; and

Emphasised that Australia would stay closely engaged on the issue of religious tolerance.

(iii) Egyptian Government representatives expressed regret at the incident and loss of life on 9 October 2011. Egyptian Government representatives expressed a commitment to religious co-existence and tolerance in Egypt.