Advancing International Religious Freedom
Headline: Federal Government Directs New Priority for International Religious Freedom
What it does: Agencies must prioritize international religious freedom in foreign policy, create plans, and budget at least $50 million annually for related programs.
- Requires budgeting at least $50 million per fiscal year for programs.
- Makes overseas U.S. personnel complete religious freedom training at least every three years.
- Directs diplomats to develop country action plans addressing religious freedom violations.
Summary
This order makes promoting religious freedom abroad a formal U.S. foreign policy priority. It directs the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to create plans and spend at least $50 million per year, when funds allow, on programs that prevent attacks, protect worship places, and support persecuted religious communities.
It also requires U.S. diplomats to develop country action plans, trains overseas staff on religious freedom every three years, and directs senior officials to consider economic tools like visa limits or sanctions to address violations.
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