Ask your representative to co-sponsor H.R.440.
This bill would provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. It has been introduced in the House and has been referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights and the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia.
The Special Envoy would be tasked to
- Promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate responses by the United States Government when such right is violated.
- Monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia.
- Work to ensure that the unique needs of religious minority communities in the countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia are addressed, including the economic and security needs of such communities.
- Work with foreign governments of the countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia to address laws that are inherently discriminatory toward religious minority communities in such countries.
The Special Envoy would work with the agencies of the United Nations and other domestic and international nongovernmental organizations and multilateral organizations and institutions.
The 214th General Assembly (2002) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) affirmed that religious freedom is a human right. The 219th General Assembly (2010) called for the protection of religious minorities around the world.
The Special Envoy that would be created by H.R. 440 would help respect religious freedom and work to protect religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.
Ask your representative to co-sponsor H.R.440.