International violations of human rights due to religious affiliation are condemned in new Resolution
—
The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office joined more than 100 religious organizations and advocates in praising the new proposed Senate Resolution 569, which recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right. The resolution expresses support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of US foreign policy and expresses concern over increased threats to, and attacks on, religious freedom around the world.https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-resolution/569?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22s.+res+569%22%7D&s=2&r=7
Citing ongoing genocides and mass atrocities perpetrated against religious minority groups as well as individuals imprisoned for their faith and beliefs, the group expressed concern that these violations lead to instability, insecurity, and lack of economic development in those countries.
The letter in support of the resolution says, “While the recent trend of increasing violations of religious freedom is disturbing, we have seen these important efforts to push back against these violations bear real fruit. We have seen the release of prisoners of conscience imprisoned for their faith and beliefs, positive changes in the laws of many countries to ease restrictions on religious minorities, and more countries united in promoting international religious freedom in a concerted way than ever before.”
The resolution introduced by Senators Coons, Lankford, Kaine, and Tillis was referred to the Foreign Relations Committee. The resolution gives examples of the Taliban in Afghanistan enforcing harsh interpretation of sharia against Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Bahá’ís, and nonbelievers who face imprisonment or death.
Burma, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Russian occupied territory of Ukraine, and Yemen,are all mentioned in the resolution with specific violations occurring in their areas.
Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, DC, supported the resolution by saying, “This resolution, being written 26 years after the passage of the historic International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, boldly affirms in powerful statements that international religious freedom continues to be a paramount US foreign policy issue. We are seeking religious freedom for all believers or nonbelievers around the world. The freedom to believe and practice one’s faith opens the door to creativity, economic growth, and national security and is a vital issue for all countries.”
In 2023, The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has documented the targeting of 2,228 individuals by 27 countries and entities, as well as legislation criminalizing blasphemy 95 countries.
The resolution seeks to support the US government’s efforts to keep religious freedom as a major policy issue in international diplomatic exchanges. Ther resolution cites the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”
More information on the UDHR at:
About the company: The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office represents the Church in the Nation's Capital and works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally.
Contact Info:
Name: Susan Taylor
Email: Send Email
Organization: Church of Scientology National Affairs Office
Address: 1701 20th St NW. Washington, DC
Phone: 202-667-6404
Website: http://www.scientologyreligion.org
Video URL: https://www.humanrights.com/videos/documentary
Release ID: 89124941
If there are any problems, discrepancies, or queries related to the content presented in this press release, we kindly ask that you notify us immediately at error@releasecontact.com. Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or support you with press release takedowns. Ensuring accurate and trustworthy information is our unwavering commitment.
