Panel Discussion on the Promotion of International Religious Freedom
Friday December 11, 2009, 2 - 3:30 PM
Russell Senate Office Building, room SR-325

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), will host a panel discussion on international religious freedom.  Both The Netherlands and the United States assign a high priority to the promotion of freedom of religion in their international human rights policies. The event will mark International Human Rights Day and raise awareness for the important issue of religious freedom. You are cordially invited to this event, which will take place on December 11 from 2 until 3:30 PM in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, room SR-325.

The panel discussion will focus on how countries, international organizations, and NGOs can work together to promote religious freedom around the world. The panel will consist of Ambassador Jones-Bos of the Netherlands; Mr. Michael Cromartie, USCIRF vice-chair; Ms. Lynne Davidson, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; Mr. Thomas Melia, deputy executive director of Freedom House; and Mr. William Davis, director of the United Nations Information Center in Washington.

RSVP for the event is not required; there will be a registration table at the door. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Gilles Goedhart at the Royal Netherlands Embassy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or (202) 274-2640.

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF’s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress.

To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, contact Tom Carter, Communications Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or (202) 523-3257.