Washington, D.C., Dec 13 – Remaining In-person IRF Roundtable of 2024 Honors IRF Ambassador, Rashad Hussain on Capitol Hill
On December 9, the IRF Roundtable convened within the Hart Senate Workplace Constructing on Capitol Hill for its remaining in-person IRF Roundtable of the 12 months. Representatives from civil society and the U.S. Authorities mentioned ongoing initiatives and challenges in advancing worldwide spiritual freedom.
The assembly commenced with co-chairs Greg Mitchell and Nadine Maenza recognizing Ambassador Rashad Hussain’s exemplary service as Ambassador-at-large for Worldwide Spiritual Freedom within the U.S. Division of State. The IRF Roundtable group expressed deep gratitude for Ambassador Hussain’s steadfast participation in discussions and prolonged finest needs for his future endeavors. In flip, Ambassador Hussain conveyed his appreciation for the collective efforts of the IRF Roundtable individuals.
Nominated in July 2021 and confirmed on January 24, 2022, by President Joseph Biden, Ambassador Rashad Hussain “serves as principal advisor to the Secretary and advisor to the President on spiritual freedom circumstances and coverage. He leads the Division’s efforts to observe spiritual freedom abuses, persecution, and discrimination worldwide. He additionally oversees insurance policies and applications to handle these considerations and works to construct numerous and dynamic partnerships with the broadest vary of civil society, with equitable and significant inclusion of religion actors globally.”
Alongside Ambassador Hussain, different U.S. Authorities particular visitor audio system included:
- Erin Singshinsuk, Govt Director, United States Fee on Worldwide Spiritual Freedom (USCIRF)
- Amanda Vigneaud, Initiative Lead, Middle for Religion-Primarily based & Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Company for Worldwide Improvement (USAID)
- Miranda Jolicoeur, Director, Justice, Human Rights, and Safety Workplace, USAID
- Jenny Yang, Exterior Relations Officer, United Nations Refugee Company, United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The IRF Roundtable concluded with civil society representatives addressing essential points in Turkey, Pakistan, India, Egypt, South Korea, and Burma, alongside world efforts to help prisoners of conscience. Contributors additionally mentioned a number of lively multi-faith letters:
- An pressing name for the cessation of authorized proceedings in opposition to detained college college students related to the Hizmet motion in Turkey.
- A letter of collective help for Senator Marco Rubio’s ongoing dedication to selling worldwide spiritual freedom.
- A further letter encouraging Senator Rubio’s continued advocacy for prisoners of conscience ought to he assume the position of Secretary of State.
Earlier than and after the IRF Roundtable assembly, individuals gathered collectively for gentle vacation refreshments sharing finest needs to their fellow advocates throughout this time of hope, gratitude, and for a lot of — prayer for peace on the planet. The IRF Secretariat prolonged heartfelt due to all individuals – each in-person and on-line – for his or her unwavering dedication to advancing worldwide spiritual freedom.
Ambassador Rashad Hussain,
In honest appreciation on your dedication and affect throughout your years of service as our Ambassador-at-large for Worldwide Spiritual Freedom. We’re grateful on your ongoing collaboration with the IRF Roundtable.
Sincerely,
Greg Mitchell & Nadine Maenza, IRF Roundtable Co-Chairs
