More than 100 religious freedom advocates have called on the US Congress to affirm religious freedom as a fundamental right and pass a resolution that recognises global threats to religious liberty. Under the auspices of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable they signed a letter to US Senate leaders, urging them to pass the resolution quickly. “We have seen first-hand, the increasing threats to religious freedom around the world described in the resolution,” the letter began.
“From ongoing genocides and mass atrocities perpetrated against religious minority groups; to individuals imprisoned and exiled for their faith and beliefs; from unjust restrictions on religious gatherings and practices to the destruction of religious sites, these threats against both people of faith and no faith are not only grave violations of fundamental human rights, but also lead to instability, insecurity, and a lack of economic development,” the letter continued.
The signatories want to establish religious freedom as a core human right and a cornerstone of American foreign policy to address these violations. They say the resolution “paints an accurate and disturbing portrayal of the religious freedom situation in too many countries.”
“Because of that situation, the resolution’s policy recommendations are vital: promoting religious freedom as an ‘utmost priority’ in US foreign policy, holding violators accountable using all available diplomatic and sanctions tools, working with global partners, and expanding support for leaders and activists working to protect religious freedom worldwide,” the letter reads.
One of the signatories is Christian legal advocate ADF International’ whose legal counsel for Global Religious Freedom Sean Nelson cited widespread violations against faith communities. “We are grateful to the members of Congress who have proposed this vital legislation, and we are hopeful that US influence on this important matter will encourage much needed change throughout the world,” he said
The resolution specifically calls for diplomatic action and sanctions against nations such as Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Iran and Russia. In Nigeria, the resolution criticises the “government’s enforcement of blasphemy laws embedded in Nigeria’s criminal and Sharia law codes” that has resulted “in the arbitrary detainment and imprisonment of those who express their religious identity.”
It also denounces “religiously discriminatory policies” in India that target “religious conversion, interfaith relationships, the wearing of hijabs, and cow slaughter” implemented at the national, state and local levels. Those laws “negatively impact the livelihoods of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits and Adivasis.” In January, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom criticised the US State Department for failing to designate India and Nigeria as “countries of particular concern” for tolerating or engaging in severe violations of religious freedom.
In Nicaragua, the government has targeted religious leaders who have spoken out against the government including Bishop Roland Alvarez who was sentenced to 26 years for his advocacy before his release and exile in Rome in January. In Pakistan, the resolution notes the severe challenges faced by religious minorities, including killings, forced conversions and sexual violence.
In Russia, the resolution says “laws on terrorism and extremism are used to target religious minorities such as members of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church for their beliefs.” Mr. Nelson declared: “No person should be punished or persecuted for their faith, and we pray for the day when all can worship and live out their faith freely”
