Today, USAID marks International Religious Freedom Day during a time when the struggle to preserve the dignity of human life is intensifying in many places. According to USCIRF’s Annual Report, the number of countries cracking down on religious expression has grown, and ACN International’s 2023 Religious Freedom Report shows that religious persecution around the world is increasing. People continue to be targeted, denied resources, and even killed because of the religion they choose to practice—as we are seeing both in the U.S. and abroad with the horrifying rise in anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The ability to worship and practice one’s faith, or no faith at all, in the public square is a fundamental right and a founding principle of American democracy enshrined in our Constitution. Twenty-five years ago, the bipartisan International Religious Freedom Act further codified this right and mandated that the U.S. government – and by extension, USAID – support other governments in safeguarding religious freedom.
At USAID, we are committed to partnering with religious actors who promote religious pluralism and peace. Last month, USAID launched its first-ever policy on strategic religious engagement to help us build religious partnerships that advance the Agency’s development and diplomatic objectives.
USAID stands in solidarity with all those around the globe whose right to religious freedom is under threat, and we reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone is free to practice their beliefs openly and safely.