On July 5 and 6, the British government will be hosting the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in London. The conference will bring together government, civil society, faith, and belief groups to agree on action to prevent FoRB violations and abuses and offer ways to protect and promote religious freedom around the world.

British Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Fiona Bruce joins us today to preview the activities at this year’s ministerial and discusses her work with the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) in advancing religious freedom globally.

Learn more about the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Learn more about IRFBA

USCIRF Releases New Report on Qatar

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Increasing Religious Freedom Restrictions on Baha’is in Qatar: This factsheet enumerates restrictions on Baha’is in Qatar and demonstrates ways in which these restrictions may be systematic. It discusses the non-renewal of residency visas and the community’s difficulties related to securing a cemetery. It also discusses questionable financial charges against a Baha’i leader. The factsheet recommends that the U.S. government collaborate with Qatari officials to address these concerns, and further recommends that Congress confirm swiftly an ambassador to Qatar.

###

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

Next week, from June 28 to June 30, the second annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit will be held in Washington, DC. The IRF Summit brings together a diverse coalition of NGOs and individuals from all over the world committed to the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and aims to increase public awareness and political support for the international religious freedom movement.

Former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, co-chair of the IRF Summit, joins us today to preview this year’s activities and the Summit’s importance for promoting freedom of religion or belief.

Check out the IRF Summit website