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EU Appoints Special Envoy for Religious Freedom

by | Wed, May 19 2021

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The European Commission has appointed a Special Envoy for the promotion of religious freedom outside of the EU, after the position was left vacant for two years.

Premier News reports, Christos Stylianides will take up the role after serving the European Union in other roles.

Mr Stylianides worked as the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management for five years until 2019.

The Special Envoy role was introduced in 2016 to protect freedom of religion or belief on behalf of the EU worldwide, after the mass murder of religious minorities by ISIS.

The Special Envoy also helped the Christian, Asia Bibi, safely leave Pakistan after being acquitted of blasphemy charges.

A spokesperson for the Alliance Defending Freedom says the reappointment of the Special Envoy is an important step in showing real commitment to freedom of religion or belief.

The spokesman says it’s hoped the new Special Envoy will focus quickly on the needs of the most persecuted worldwide.