Washington, DC – February 5, 2024 – Vice President JD Vance delivered a powerful address at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, urging the global community to unite in the fight against religious persecution and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to defending religious freedom as a fundamental human right. The summit, attended by government officials, religious leaders, and advocates from around the world, served as a platform to address the growing challenges faced by religious minorities and to chart a path forward for collective action.
A Strong Message of Solidarity
In his keynote speech, Vice President Vance emphasized the importance of religious freedom as a cornerstone of human dignity and global stability. “Religious freedom is not a privilege granted by governments; it is a God-given right that belongs to every individual,” Vance declared. “When we stand up for those who are persecuted for their faith, we are not only defending their rights but also upholding the values that bind humanity together.”
Vance highlighted the plight of religious minorities in countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, and Myanmar, where systemic persecution, violence, and discrimination remain rampant. He called on the international community to take decisive action to hold oppressive regimes accountable and to provide support for victims of religious persecution.
A Legacy of Advocacy for Religious Freedom
The Trump administration made the fight against religious persecution a central pillar of its foreign policy agenda. From the outset, President Trump and his team recognized that the denial of religious freedom is not only a moral failing but also a threat to global peace and security. Vice President Vance, in his statement, praised the administration’s groundbreaking efforts, including the establishment of the International Religious Freedom Alliance (IRFA) in 2020. This coalition of like-minded nations has worked tirelessly to promote and protect religious freedom worldwide, serving as a powerful platform for collective action.
Vance also highlighted the administration’s decision to host the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in 2018, which brought together government officials, religious leaders, and civil society representatives from over 80 countries. This landmark event galvanized international support for persecuted communities and set the stage for ongoing diplomatic efforts to address religious intolerance.
Tangible Actions to Protect the Vulnerable
The Vice President pointed to several concrete steps taken by the Trump administration to support victims of religious persecution. These included the imposition of targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom, as well as the allocation of significant humanitarian aid to displaced religious minorities, such as Yazidis, Christians, and Rohingya Muslims.
One of the most notable achievements cited by Vance was the administration’s role in securing the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was imprisoned in Turkey for two years on false charges. This high-profile case exemplified the administration’s willingness to leverage diplomatic and economic tools to defend religious freedom and protect American citizens abroad.
A Call to Continue the Fight
Vice President Vance’s statement also served as a call to action for the current administration and the international community to build on the progress made during the Trump years. He stressed that the fight against religious persecution is far from over, noting that millions of people worldwide still face violence, imprisonment, and discrimination simply for practicing their faith.
A Moral Imperative for the World
In closing, Vice President Vance reiterated that religious freedom is not just an American value but a universal human right. He argued that defending this right is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity, as societies that respect religious diversity are more likely to be stable, prosperous, and peaceful.
“The Trump administration’s work to fight global religious persecution was a testament to America’s leadership and commitment to human dignity,” Vance said. “As we move forward, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to stand with the oppressed, challenge the oppressors, and ensure that every individual, regardless of their faith, can live in freedom and peace.”
Vance’s statement serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of religious freedom in today’s world and the need for continued vigilance and action to protect this fundamental right. As the global community grapples with rising intolerance and violence, the legacy of the Trump administration’s efforts offers a roadmap for meaningful progress in the fight against religious persecution.
Be First to Comment