Washington, D.C. In a statement commemorating the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to protecting the right to religious belief and practice worldwide. The IRF Act, originally enacted in 1998, remains a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.
Key messages from the statement:
- Global advocacy: The U.S. continues to champion religious freedom as a universal human right, especially for the hundreds of millions who face violence, imprisonment, or death for practicing their faith.
- Moral and strategic imperative: Rubio stated that religious persecution destabilizes nations, undermines peace, and violates a foundational truth recognized by America’s founders: “Faith is essential to human flourishing and a free society.”
- Unapologetic leadership: The statement declared, “There is no greater friend to religious freedom than the United States,” reaffirming the country’s role in leading global efforts to protect religious liberty.
- Office of International Religious Freedom: The IRF Act established this office within the State Department to monitor violations, engage with foreign governments, and recommend policy actions including sanctions and designations.
The anniversary comes amid rising concerns about religious repression in various regions, including crackdowns on minority faiths, restrictions on worship, and digital surveillance of religious communities.
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