Click here for the Factsheet on Key U.S. Government IRF Positions

This factsheet provides an overview of the key political appointments within the U.S. government that have the most relevance to international religious freedom (IRF). The primary IRF positions that the president appoints derive from the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA): the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the State Department; the Special Adviser for International Religious Freedom on the National Security Council (NSC) staff; and three of the nine USCIRF Commissioners. In addition, various current or recent State Department special envoy and representative positions—created either by acts of Congress or by presidents or secretaries of state—are relevant to IRF promotion.