Advancing International Religious Freedom
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.
Real-world impact
- 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.
Topics
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.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”