On June 26, 2024, Secretary Antony J. Blinken presented the State Department's annual report on international religious freedom. The report highlights the status of religious freedom globally and underscores the importance of this fundamental right.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that respecting religious freedom reinforces other human rights, such as free speech and peaceful assembly. He noted that "religious freedom is still not respected for millions of people around the world." Citing a Pew Research Center study, he mentioned that government restrictions on religion have reached their highest global level since 2007.
The report documents various forms of religious persecution, including government-imposed restrictions on worship and attire, forced displacement, and imprisonment based on faith. It also highlights violence from extremist groups targeting individuals because of their religion. Recent attacks in Russia’s Dagestan region and increased antisemitism and Islamophobia following Hamas’s attack on Israel were cited as examples.
The report covers nearly 200 countries and details specific instances of religious intolerance. In Pakistan, blasphemy laws contribute to mob violence; in Hungary, officials use antisemitic tropes; and in India, anti-conversion laws target minority faith communities. Despite these challenges, efforts to protect religious freedom persist globally.
Ambassador Rashad Hussain praised Secretary Blinken's advocacy for religious freedom as integral to U.S. foreign policy. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the International Religious Freedom Report, which has set a global standard for assessing religious freedom for 25 years.
The report includes stories of individuals facing persecution due to their beliefs. For example, Hkalam Samson, a Baptist pastor in Burma, was detained for advocating for religious rights. The Chinese government's ongoing repression against Muslim Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang was also documented.
Ambassador Hussain noted that societal-level violence often occurs with impunity and contributes to the repression of religious communities. He cited recent incidents in Pakistan and Nigeria where mobs killed individuals accused of blasphemy.
Both Secretary Blinken and Ambassador Hussain acknowledged rising hatred worldwide, including increased antisemitism and Islamophobia following recent conflicts in Gaza and Israel. They called for collective efforts to counter dehumanization and promote respect.
The United States continues to support initiatives preventing religious-based violence and providing legal assistance to those facing persecution. Over $100 million has been dedicated to advancing religious freedom since 2021.
The report also recognizes countries taking steps to defend religious freedom. Examples include Czechia hosting an international summit on combating authoritarianism related to religion, Saudi Arabia revising school textbooks to promote tolerance, and Germany prosecuting ISIS fighters for crimes against Yazidis and other minorities.
In conclusion, both leaders stressed the importance of protecting an essential part of human identity: the ability to choose one's beliefs without fear of repression. They expressed gratitude for the partnerships supporting this mission globally.
"Ultimately," said Secretary Blinken, "this work is about protecting an essential part of what it means to be human."
