Religious freedom is a core American value and a universal human right. It also represents a vital priority of foreign policy, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 2.
“When the fundamental right of every person to practice their religion or choose not to follow one is respected, people can fully contribute to the success of their community; entire societies are better off,” Blinken said.
But when governments deny this right, “they encourage tension, sow division, and often lead to instability and conflict,” he added.
Blinken made his remarks while releasing the 2021 International Religious Freedom Report from the State Department. The annual report tracks violations of religious freedom and positive governmental or societal actions. The report also serves as a basis for crucial U.S. foreign policy decision-making.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS THE FIRST FREEDOM ENSHRINED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF OUR CONSTITUTION. “ ~ SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN
Notable Progress
Several countries made significant strides to improve religious freedom in 2021. Examples include:
• Morocco restored Jewish heritage sites, such as synagogues, and will include Jewish history in the school curriculum.
• Iraq welcomed Pope Francis for the first papal visit to the nation, and the pope led Christian and interfaith services in several cities.
• The president of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, pledged to uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of their religious background.
“Ultimately, this report is about spreading this kind of progress to more parts of the world,” Blinken said.
Widespread Violations Still Persist
Some governments continue to use blasphemy and apostasy laws to discriminate against religious minorities. Others restrict expressions of religious belief, such as dress code restrictions related to religious attire.
In his remarks, Blinken highlighted examples of threats to religious freedom, including:
• Myanmar military forces committed genocide and crimes against humanity targeting predominantly Muslim Rohingyas. They also destroyed mosques, desecrated the Quran, and engaged in other violations.
• Eritrea only allows the free practice of four religions.
• China continues to commit crimes against humanity and genocide against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minorities.
“All societies, including ours and across Europe, must do more to combat rising forms of hate, including antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment,” Blinken said.
Rashad Hussain, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, stated that no community is immune to violations.
“Governments must speak out and protect the vulnerable and marginalized,” he said. “Religion can be such a powerful force for good, and it should never be used to harm people.”
Source: share.america.gov