Secretary of State Antony Blinken recalled the countless individuals suffering religious persecution as the State Department observed the fourth annual International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
The State Department recalled the many people who have been threatened, harassed, imprisoned, harmed or killed because of their religious beliefs, according to an Aug. 22 news release.
“May this day offer assurance to those suffering for their beliefs that the United States and like-minded partners have not forgotten or forsaken you,” Blinken said in the release.
He said the U.S. honored those who sacrificed and paid the price for following their conscience or advocated for others to do the same, the release reported. The U.S. stands with the persecuted and recognized a collective commitment to freedom of religion or belief, he said. It shows the importance of protecting those rights, especially for the most vulnerable people. The failure to ensure the right to freedom of religion or belief for an individual threatens it for everyone, he said.
“We see you, we hear you and we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensure your freedom, protection and peaceful exercise of your beliefs,” Blinken said in the release.
