Filling the Void
The need for a AAL for Relgious Freedom
We all know how in the first Trump Administration how a key plank during the term was Religious Liberty. Two key victories in that timeframe were the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from a Turkish Jail and the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) as defined by USCIRF (United States Commission for International Religious Freedom).
When Donald Trump was returned to the White House during the 2024 Elections it was hoped that Religious Freedom would once again rise to become a plank of the country’s Foreign Policy. The strikes on Christmas Day Eve in Nigeria were announced to be in defense of Christians being targeted by violence in the country were viewed by some as a commitment to that policy.
There is a flaw in that policy. Currently the position of Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom is vacant. The first nominee, Representative Mark Walker of North Carolina, didn’t receive a confirmation vote in the Senate. For a year Rep. Walker was acting in the capacity of Special Advisor to the President. His tenure in that position has expired.
There is a reason why this position should be filled. This person not only advises the President but also can speak on his behalf. The last three administrations had excellent AALs, President Obama has Rabbi David Sapperstein, the first Trump Administration has Sam Brownback, and the Biden Administration had Rashad Hussein. All three were competent advocates who addressed several prominent Human Rights issues around the world.
Now on May 11th USCIRF issued a Press Release which calls for President Trump to swiftly nominate someone for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom and calls upon the US Senate to move swiftly on the nomination process as well.
During this session of Congress, the Senate has not moved with the speed that the citizens have desired, and in some cases that has negatively affected Administration policies both at home and abroad.
Vicky Hartzler the current chair of the commission remarked It’s imperative for President Trump to put forward a nomination for this position for his administration to fully and effectively implement its stated commitment to IRF as a key component of U.S. foreign policy. Advancing religious freedom protects a fundamental human right that underpins a nation’s security, economic prosperity, and stability, creating hope and opportunity for people across the world.“
Asif Mahmood the current vice chair of the commission would also state “However, the present lack of ambassadorial leadership on IRF matters prevents the U.S. government from fulfilling its potential in leading global efforts to advance this vital issue—a problem that can be solved through a swift nomination and confirmation process.”
It is not just Nigeria that should be the focal point in filling this key position. There is other scenarios active where this voice is sadly needed.
Reports that the US is preparing to ease sanctions on Eritrea a country that has perpetually been a Country of Particular Concern for Religious Freedom concerns are shocking. Ethiopia, Algeria, Egypt and the Congo are other countries in Africa where filling this position could prove to be not only a godsend but also a potential improvement to US Foreign Policy.
Enough is enough just nominate someone and approve them before the backlog gets too great
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