This resolution recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right and condemns the increasing global threats to religious freedom, urging the U.S. government to prioritize and defend religious freedom through diplomatic and punitive measures.
James Lankford
Senator
OK
This resolution affirms religious freedom as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It expresses concern over increasing global threats to religious freedom, condemning persecution, violence, and imprisonment based on faith. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize religious freedom in foreign policy, utilize sanctions against violators, and support human rights advocates.
Senate Resolution Pushes Religious Freedom to Forefront of U.S. Foreign Policy, Targeting Violators with Sanctions
The Senate is pushing a new resolution that puts religious freedom at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, treating it as both a fundamental human right and a strategic priority. This isn't just symbolic; the resolution calls for concrete actions, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure, against countries and groups that violate religious freedom. The resolution specifically references the First Amendment, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, highlighting existing legal backing. It also leans on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, making it clear there's muscle behind the words.
Taking Aim at Global Religious Freedom Violations
The resolution doesn't shy away from naming names. It points to the State Department's December 29, 2023 designations, calling out countries like Burma, China, Iran, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia as "countries of particular concern" regarding religious freedom. Others, like Algeria, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, are on a "Special Watch List." The resolution highlights some grim statistics: 2,228 individuals targeted in 27 countries, 1,491 imprisoned, and nine deaths in custody in 2023 and 2024, all related to religious persecution. It also condemns specific acts, like the genocidal campaigns against Rohingya Muslims in Burma and Uyghurs in China.
Turning Words into Action: Sanctions, Diplomacy, and Trade
This is where the resolution gets real teeth. It urges the State Department to get active on multiple fronts: work with allies, back human rights activists, and, crucially, use "diplomatic and sanctions tools" against violators. This includes existing tools from the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Act. Think targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for abuses. The resolution even goes a step further, stating that human rights and religious freedom should be a factor when deciding who gets a free trade agreement with the U.S. For example, a small business owner importing goods might see changes in sourcing options if their current supplier's country is flagged for religious freedom violations.
Potential Challenges and Connections
While the resolution aims to protect vulnerable groups, there are potential challenges. The definition of "religious freedom" itself can be tricky, and there's a risk of it being applied selectively. For instance, will the focus on specific countries be driven by genuine human rights concerns, or will geopolitical factors play a role? It could also be a tool that indirectly benefits the sponsor's donors. The resolution's focus on international religious freedom, particularly in countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, could align with the interests of the sponsor's top donors, especially Pro-Israel America PAC. Additionally, the emphasis on sanctions and trade agreements could indirectly benefit companies like Williams Companies and Apollo Global Management through geopolitical influence. It's a reminder that even well-intentioned policies can have complex ripple effects, underscoring the need for careful oversight as this resolution moves forward.