Catholic MP for Stoke-on-Trent, Rob Flello, has today welcomed the EU’s decision to recognise Islamic State’s killing of Christians and other religious minorities as genocide.
The resolution passed unanimously by MEPs on Thursday at a European Parliament plenary session in the French city of Strasbourg, was the first time the body has recognised an ongoing conflict situation as genocide, Newsweek reported.
Mr Flello, who has tabled a Commons motion calling for the UN to come to a stated consensus that genocide is indeed being perpetrated, said: “It’s very welcome news that the EU has taken this step. It does rather stand in contrast to the view of the Prime Minister that it’s not a matter for ‘Governments or other non-judicial bodies’.
“We need the international community to clearly state what is happening in the Middle East is a genocide, that all possible actions will be taken to bring this to an end and that no matter how long it takes those responsible will be brought to justice.
“I remain hopeful that pressure can be brought to bear on HM Government to change its mind and to take the matter to the UN for urgent consideration.”
Earlier this week at a conference in London, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said the crisis in Syria was marked by “ever-increasing human suffering, including extreme cases of malnourishment of innocent children and other civilians, especially among the high number of people who are trapped in hard-to-reach and besieged areas”.
Religious minorities, including Christians, suffer disproportionately the effects of war and social upheaval in the region, he said.
“In fact, their very presence and existence are gravely threatened,” he said, which is why “Pope Francis has repeatedly called attention to the particular needs of Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East.”
So far 46 MPs have signed the Early Day Motion tabled by Mr Flello.
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