The First 25 Years: IRFA Accomplishments and Next Steps

Oct 23

WHEN:

Oct 23rd 3:00pm - Oct 23rd 5:00pm

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

The First 25 Years: IRFA Accomplishments and Next Steps

Monday, October 23, 2023
3:00-5:00 pm ET
Kennedy Caucus Room
325 Russell Senate Office Building

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hosted an event commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA).

Freedom of religion is both America’s first freedom and a universal human right. Yet many people around the world live in countries where this right is denied or restricted. Twenty-five years ago, IRFA was enacted to elevate religious freedom as a higher priority in U.S. foreign policy and strengthen the United States’ advocacy on behalf of individuals persecuted in foreign countries on account of their religion or belief.

Speakers reflected on the impact of IRFA and the next steps for U.S. foreign policy. This event also highlighted individuals and communities persecuted for their religion or belief, as well as the many victims of religious freedom violations documented in the Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List.

Opening Remarks
• Abraham Cooper, Chair, USCIRF
Written Remarks
• Frederick A. Davie, Vice Chair, USCIRF
Written Remarks

Congressional Remarks
All Members of Congress were invited to speak.
• Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Written Remarks
• Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
Recorded Remarks
• Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Written Remarks
• Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Recorded Remarks
• Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)
Written Remarks
• Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
Recorded Remarks
• Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Recorded Remarks

Panel I – A Retrospective and Prospective Look on IRFA’s Passage
•   Frank Wolf, Commissioner, USCIRF
Recorded Remarks
•   Former Senator Don Nickles
Recorded Remarks
•   Former Senator Joe Lieberman
Recorded Remarks

Panel II – Raising Awareness of Religious Prisoners of Conscience Through Frank R. Wolf FoRB Victims List and TLHRC Defending Freedoms Project

Moderator
• David Curry, Commissioner, USCIRF

Panelists
• Kimberly Stanton, Democratic Staff Director, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
• Sasha LaPonsa, Democratic Staff Associate, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
• Judy Golub, Director of Strategy and Planning for Religious News Foundation/Service and FoRB Women's Alliance Co-Founder

Remarks from Former Religious Prisoners of Conscience (RPOCs)
• Nguyen Bac Truyen, Vietnam
Recorded Remarks
• Jahongir Kulidjanov, Uzbekistan
Recorded Remarks
• Seymur Mammadov, Azerbaijan
Recorded Remarks

Panel III – USCIRF’s Key Accomplishments and Upcoming Activities
• USCIRF Commissioners and Staff

Light refreshments will be served. This event is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. For any additional questions or interview requests, please contact [email protected].