America and International Religious Freedom

In 1998 U.S. Congress passed the International Freedom Act to promote religious freedom as part of American Foreign Policy and to fight religious persecution globally. The law listed many economic and diplomatic tools to encourage all nations to accept freedom of religion and conscience as a fundamental human right. The 2 powerful tools in the law are 1. The yearly report on International Religious Freedom and 2. Direct U.S. advocacy by the office of International Religious Freedom which is an office in the U.S. State Department. In our nation, the department is called Dept. of Foreign Affairs which is headed by ambassador at large.

Every year since 1999, the office gives a report of the status of religious freedom and persecution in all nations. This report is based on 1. Travels of the ambassador at large and/or his staff to nations where religious problems exists. and 2. Talk with the host government on behalf of the victim of religious persecution and discrimination. Today, the yearly September Report by the Office of International Religious Freedom is part of the Standard Compendium regarding global religious freedom. The report also spotlights on nations of particular concern wherein U.S. may take action like economic sanctions. This duty is also done through U.S. Congress hearings especially by the Committee on Foreign Affairs/ and by sponsoring dialogues for reconciliation. The purpose is to promote religious liberty, not to punish erring nations. Religious Freedom is part of American life and public policy. It is the first of ten freedoms in the Bill of Rights of their Constitution. It is also a part of the 1948 United Nations Universal declaration of human rights (act.18). America is passionate about religious liberty, not the promotion of a particular religion but the belief that it is a gift from God that has existed before society tribe, state and government. A nation that fails to protect religious freedom and conscience often gives less importance to other basic rights like freedom from arbitrary arrest and torture. Giving importance to religious freedom is a sign of a healthy democracy.