The somber facts delineated in the State Department’s 2015 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Report, released this week, are not reflected in the Obama Administration’s foreign policy actions and priorities.

     “The 2015 IRF Report shows that the world is experiencing a religious freedom crisis that directly challenges U.S. interests around the world,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of a House panel on global human rights. “The Obama Administration has routinely de-emphasized religious freedom as a diplomatic and strategic issue and misses the mark on what can and should be done to promote religious freedom worldwide.”

     Smith added, “the decision to downplay attacks on religious believers in Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Cuba while expanding diplomatic, economic or military ties with these countries is tragic for those who suffer abuses every day.”

     The Report shows again the need for the Senate to take up new legislation that would push the executive branch and enhance U.S. efforts to help protect victims of genocide, anti-Semitism and other acts of religious persecution, noted Smith, the author of the House-passed HR 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act. Click Here to view the bill.

     Smith also said earlier this year that the Administration took the long overdue but correct step in declaring that ISIS is committing genocide against Christians and other religious minorities. But he noted: “the report would have been a perfect time to outline an action plan to protect vulnerable groups in Syria and Iraq.  Ancient Christian religious communities may soon become extinct because of ISIS action. If the U.S. government watches this exodus without acting, then it will share responsibility and the genocide declaration will have been meaningless.”

     “The report is an important tool in identifying problems, but it is only a first step in addressing religious freedom abuses worldwide,” Smith continued. “The Administration must do more than occasionally raise issues of concern, they must use targeted sanctions, visa denials, and other measures to address a global crisis and hold responsible individuals accountable for religious persecution. 

     For more information on a particular country please contact Jeff Beck at (202) 225-3765.

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