Jun 18, 2019

For Immediate Release
June 18, 2019

 

 

USCIRF Encouraged by Appointment of Special Envoy to Sudan, Urges Close Scrutiny of Religious Freedom During Transition

 

Washington, DC -- In response to an announcement on June 12 by the State Department that retired Ambassador Donald Booth has been appointed as Special Envoy for Sudan, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair ​​​Tony Perkins issued the following statement:

“We are encouraged by the appointment of an experienced diplomat like Ambassador Booth to help support Sudan through this very tumultuous period as it transitions to a civilian-led government. During this fragile time, it is critical that the U.S. government press the Sudanese government to respect the human rights, including religious freedom, of the Sudanese people.”

In its most recent annual report, released in April, USCIRF urged the Administration to appoint a Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan. USCIRF also recommended that Sudan be redesignated as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Department of State has designated Sudan as a CPC since 1999, most recently in November 2018. 

 

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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 threats to 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] or Kellie Boyle at [email protected] or +1-703-898-6554.