Mar 26

WHEN:

Mar 26th 1:30pm

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom 

Women in FoRB: Making a Difference

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
1:30-3:30 pm ET

North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268)
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. 

Register Here

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) invites you to join us for Women in FoRB: Making a Difference, an event highlighting the crucial roles women play in promoting the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad.

Many women face compound persecution and distinctive barriers due to their gender and religious beliefs or nonbeliefs. While too many women are victims, many also are champions, proactively demonstrating resilience, courage, ingenuity, and wisdom. After opening remarks, there will be a conversation on women combatting antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. Following the conversation, there will be a moderated panel of civil society leaders focusing on strategies women have developed and actions they have taken in communities worldwide to challenge persecution, tear down barriers, and support freedom of religion or belief.

Opening Remarks

  • Susie Gelman, Commissioner, USCIRF

Pre-Recorded Remarks

  • Nazila Ghanea, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief

A Conversation on Women Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate

Moderator

  • Susie Gelman, Commissioner, USCIRF

Panelists

  • The Honorable Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, U.S. Department of State
  • Mohamed Magid, Commissioner, USCIRF

Panel: Women in Action in their Communities

Moderator

  • Judith Golub, Director of Strategy and Planning, Religious News Foundation/Service; Co-Founder, FoRB Women's Alliance

Panelists

  • Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs
  • Hurunnessa Fariad, Director of Outreach, Multi-Faith Neighbor’s Network
  • Elizabeth Lane Miller, Chief Research Officer, Gender and Religious Freedom
  • Tschika McBean Okosi, Human Rights Officer, U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs

This event is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. Register here to attend in person. This event will be livestreamed on USCIRF’s website and YouTube channel. For any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Date of Detainment: December//2023

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud

Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz

Extra Bio Info:

Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz is detained for her religious affiliation and religious leadership role.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ruiz, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, amid a crackdown on religious communities. Ruiz remains detained on dubious "money laundering charges." 

Related cases: Marcos Sergio Hernández JirónHarry Lening Rios BravoManuel de Jesús Ríos FloresJosé Luis Orozco UrrutiaÁlvaro Daniel Escobar CalderaJuan Carlos Chavarría ZapataJuan Luis MoncadaOrvin Alexis Moncada CastellanoCésar Facundo Burgalin MirandaWalner Omier Blandón Ochoa

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Date of Detainment: December//2024

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa

Extra Bio Info:

Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa is detained for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ochoa, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, amid a crackdown on religious communities. Ochoa remains detained on dubious "money laundering charges." 

Related cases: Marcos Sergio Hernández JirónHarry Lening Rios BravoManuel de Jesús Ríos FloresJosé Luis Orozco UrrutiaÁlvaro Daniel Escobar CalderaJuan Carlos Chavarría ZapataJuan Luis MoncadaOrvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin MirandaMarisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz