News

In its annual report to Congress on International Religious Freedom, the State Department highlights the status of religious freedom in countries worldwide. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the release of the U.S. State Department’s 2022 International Religious Freedom Report.

• “As a nation, it is both morally imperative and strategically important for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to combat the unjust persecution of individuals worldwide who peacefully live out their faith or beliefs. Regrettably, tyrants across the globe continue to undermine this God-given right. It is deeply concerning that the Biden Administration continues to provide excuses for the Nigerian government’s inaction to address growing religious violence against Christian communities in the country.”

• “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has mastered the art of religious persecution, as evidenced by its acts of genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic groups. In addition to its persistent harassment of Falun Gong practitioners, the CCP has recently implemented bans on domestically generated online religious content and prohibited overseas organizations from operating virtual religious information services in China.”

• “The brutal regimes led by Kim-Jong-Un in North Korea and the Ayatollah in Iran are not isolated cases. In North Korea, civilians continue to face torture, arrest, physical abuse, and even execution due to their religious activities. Furthermore, the recent amendment to Iran’s penal code raises the threat of increased persecution against religious minorities.”

• “Even in our own region, the repressive Castro/Díaz-Canel regime in Cuba has escalated its tactics of repression against Christian leaders and activists who oppose their Marxist ideology. Tragically, following the Cuban regime’s long-standing manual of repression, the Ortega/Murillo regime in Nicaragua has declared war on religious freedom. Catholic clergy and laity persistently endure harassment and arbitrary arrests, as is the case of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, all while Ortega and Murillo actively force nuns and civilians into exile, shut down Christian media outlets, and prohibit faith-based processions.” — Senator Rubio