FOR YOUR INFORMATION

January 16, 2014| By Robert P. George and Katrina Lantos Swett

The following op-ed appeared in CNN World on January 16, 2014.

Editor's note: Robert P. George and Katrina Lantos Swett serve as chairman and vice chairwoman, respectively, of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The views expressed are their own.

National Religious Freedom Day, being marked today in the United States, reminds us that freedom of religion or belief is a pivotal human right, central to this country's history and heritage.It is also recognized as such by the United Nations and other international bodies. Yet the issue frequently sparks debates that too often generate more heat than light.

That the mere mention of religious freedom triggers such powerful emotions, in the United States and overseas, helps explain why this critical right has not been accorded the centrality and respect it deserves, especially as a component of U.S. foreign policy.But whatever the reason, the United States must still look closely at the issue - and why it is key to successful U.S. foreign policy.

Read full article here.

To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at 202-786-0613 or [email protected].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2014| USCIRF

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today urged the U.S. government to emphasize the plight of religious minorities and the protection of religious freedom for all Syrians during the upcoming Geneva II peace conference, scheduled to begin on January 22^nd. USCIRF increasingly has become concerned about the sectarian nature of the Syrian conflict which poses a growing danger to the religious freedoms of all Syrians, and how the potential spillover jeopardizes religious freedom regionally.

"What began as peaceful protests has descended into sectarian violence, exacerbated by the al-Assad regime's targeting of Sunni Muslims and those who opposed him or did not actively support him,” said USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George.

If Syria is to survive as a religiously diverse nation, religious freedom must be on the conference's agenda and religious minorities must be given a voice in these negotiations. "The Alawite and Christian communities, who are not aligned with either side of the conflict, are inadequately represented by the opposition coalition and the Assad regime does not represent their concerns. The United States needs to work to ensure their views are considered and heard,” said Dr. George.

Along with the violence, destruction and deaths experienced throughout Syrian and by members of religious minority communities, NGOs report that over 1,000 mosques have been destroyed, with many more vandalized. Over 90 Christian churches, monasteries, shrines and buildings also have been destroyed or severely damaged. During the conflict, the Assad regime and terrorist organizations have targeted religious leaders, including Sunni Clerics who support the opposition or have left the Baath Party and Christian religious leaders and laity. Two senior clerics, Greek Archbishop Boulous Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Bishop Yuhanna Ibrahim, have been missing after being kidnapped reportedly by rebels more than 6 months ago. Twelve nuns kidnapped in December still are being held, also by rebels. In addition, Lebanon and Jordan are hosting over 2. 3 million refugees, and millions more will be added in 2014, at great cost to those countries' security and stability.

To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at 202-786-0613 or [email protected].