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Recommended by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the President has the authority to appoint a Special Advisor on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council. From the religious persecution of Tibetans, Falun Gong, and Uyghurs by Communist China, to the repression of Christians in Nicaragua, Cuba, and North Korea, to the Baha’i in Iran, the U.S. must remain firm in its commitment to protecting religious freedoms worldwide.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to reaffirm U.S. commitment and urgently fill this open position.
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The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Mr. President:
I ask that you appoint a qualified, and respected, expert in religious rights to fill the vacant position of Special Advisor on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council. This would demonstrate our shared commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and human dignity on a global scale.
In enacting the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, Congress recommended that a Special Advisor on International Religious Freedom be appointed as part of the National Security Council staff. Congress re-affirmed, on a bipartisan basis in 2016, the continued need for this role as part of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act. Unfortunately, this position remains unfilled, impeding the White House’s ability to effectively incorporate international religious freedom concerns within whole-of-government strategies and policies.
Appointing a qualified and experienced Special Advisor on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council is critical not only to underscore our nation’s dedication to this fundamental human right but also to enhance our national security by helping to address one of the main causes of conflict and instability. This individual would play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts across agencies, including with the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, in advising you and your administration on matters related to religious freedom, and contributing to the development of policies that reflect the values of our great nation.
By prioritizing this position, we not only demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom for all, regardless of faith, but we also reaffirm the United States’ leadership role in promoting human rights and democratic principles globally as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.
Sincerely,