USCIRF Welcomes Confirmation of New Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

“The Senate’s confirmation of a new ambassador today could not have come soon enough,” said USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark. “We are witnessing immense challenges to religious freedom around the globe. We need to utilize every resource available to confront these challenges, including the office of the ambassador-at-large. USCIRF looks forward to working with Ambassador Brownback in advancing the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom.”

Jan 25, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2018

USCIRF Welcomes Confirmation of New Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

USCIRF Chairman Mark says, “The commission looks forward to working with Ambassador Brownback in advancing the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom”
 

WASHINGTON, DC -- The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the confirmation today by the Senate of a new Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. The White House nominated Governor Sam Brownback, who served in the Senate from 1996-2011, for the position in July of last year.

“The Senate’s confirmation of a new ambassador today could not have come soon enough,” said USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark. “We are witnessing immense challenges to religious freedom around the globe. We need to utilize every resource available to confront these challenges, including the office of the ambassador-at-large. USCIRF looks forward to working with Ambassador Brownback in advancing the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom.”

While in the Senate, Gov. Brownback supported religious freedom and human rights for all, serving as co-chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. He was a key sponsor of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act that established USCIRF and the State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom, which he will now lead.

 “USCIRF is eager to work closely with Gov. Brownback in his new role as ambassador-at-large and ex officio member of the Commission,” said Chairman Mark.

###

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission, the first of its kind in the world. USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations abroad and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the Congressional leadership of both political parties. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected] or Isaac Six, Associate Director of Congressional Affairs ([email protected] +1-202-786-0606).