Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government has repeatedly underlined to Egyptian authorities in Canberra and Cairo that religious differences must be respected and all efforts made to stem sectarian violence. Most recently, we made these representations during bilateral senior officials' talks in Cairo in February 2012.

The government have also taken multilat­eral action. We have a proud tradition of defending human rights and promoting reli­gious tolerance through the United Nations. In November last year Australia's ambass­ador in Geneva raised the situation of Coptic Christians with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Earlier this month Australia emphasised the inalienable right of freedom of religion or belief during dialogue with the UN special rapporteur.