‘Advocacy is often slow, but silence is far more dangerous.’
Chibuzor opens up about her role as CSW’s Parliamentary Liaison, and what drives her to keep speaking out for all.
Can you give us a brief insight into your work?
My role sits at the intersection of policy, advocacy and faith. I work closely with Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the House of Lords (known as Peers), parliamentary offices, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and civil society partners. My aim is to ensure that issues concerning freedom of religion or belief and wider human rights are meaningfully raised within Parliament and UK foreign policy.
This involves briefing parliamentarians, organising events, tracking debates and legislation, and translating complex human rights concerns into clear policy asks.
My favourite part is seeing ideas move from advocacy into action – when a conversation, briefing or meeting results in a parliamentary question, debate or policy shift. I enjoy facilitating dialogue with parliamentarians and helping them connect global human rights realities with their responsibilities and influence in Westminster.
Can you give us an example?
We’ve briefed MPs on a range of issues, including violence against religious communities in Nigeria, the situation of religious and belief minorities in the Middle East, and restrictions on religious freedom in parts of Asia.
In relation to Nigeria, we supported MPs to raise concerns about attacks on Christian communities and broader patterns of insecurity. These questions prompted ministerial responses that acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and outlined the UK government’s engagement with Nigerian authorities. Moments like these matter because they bring international attention, create accountability and keep freedom of religion or belief firmly on the parliamentary agenda.
As a Christian, why do you speak out for everyone facing injustice because of their beliefs?
I believe deeply that freedom of religion or belief is not a ‘Christian issue’; it is a human dignity issue. The right to believe, not believe, change belief, or express belief freely is foundational to any just society. When one group’s freedoms are eroded, everyone’s freedoms become fragile.
Speaking out for Muslims, Jews, Yazidis, Humanists, minority faith communities and others facing persecution is not a departure from my faith; it is an expression of it. Justice cannot be selective. If we only defend those who look like us or believe like us, we undermine the very principle of justice we claim to uphold.
How do you keep going?
I am motivated by people: the individuals and communities whose stories often never reach the corridors of power. I am also motivated by the belief that policy is a powerful tool that shapes lives, opportunities and survival.
My faith also sustains me. I believe that speaking truth into systems of power is both a spiritual calling and a civic responsibility. Even small shifts in policy or language can open doors for justice.
How can we pray for you?
A key challenge in this role is securing responses and meaningful engagement from MPs and parliamentarians. So prayer for favour, responsiveness and constructive dialogue would be much appreciated!
Please also pray for wisdom and discernment for me and my fellow advocates – to know how and when to speak – as well as courage to speak truth clearly and faithfully in complex political spaces.
What one thing can someone do today?
You don’t need perfect language or policy expertise to write to your elected representative – just clarity, sincerity and accurate information. Why not start with a link to a CSW report, blog or country briefing? You never know when one email will spark a conversation or a question in Parliament, leading to real change.
Act now:
Invite your MP to join our Sudan campaign: csw.org.uk/EyesOnSudan