Source:                  www.uscirf.gov

Date:                       October 25, 2021

 

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing

Sanctions and Implications for International Religious Freedom
 
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual Hearing
 

Register Here

Please join the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for a virtual hearing that will consider how the U.S. government can advance international religious freedom through targeted sanctions.

Through the 2016 Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and the related 2017 executive order, E.O. 13818, the U.S. government can issue visa bans and asset freezes against foreign persons involved in “serious human rights abuses,” including violations of religious freedom. Visa bans are also possible through Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. These tools have been used to impose consequences on violators of religious freedom in a variety of contexts, including Burma, China, Iran, and Russia. These examples represent only a small percentage of the religious freedom violations occurring globally. A more aggressive and effective targeted sanctions regimen can contribute to deterring religious freedom violators, holding perpetrators accountable, leading to a world where all are free to practice their religion or belief.

With legislative authority for Global Magnitsky sanctions expiring in 2022, the reauthorization process presents an opportunity to strengthen and expand targeted sanctions programs. Witnesses will explain how sanctions are utilized within the broader U.S. foreign policy strategy to address religious freedom violations and discuss ways to use these tools to curtail such violations.

Opening Remarks
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Nadine Maenza, Chair, USCIRF
Nury Turkel, Vice Chair, USCIRF

Panel
Michael Weber, Analyst, Congressional Research Service
Michael Breen, President and CEO, Human Rights First
Justyna Gudzowska, Director of Illicit Finance Policy, The Sentry
Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
Annie Boyajian, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Freedom House

Witnesses’ Bios

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. Members of the media should register online and can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions or to schedule an interview. The video recording of the hearing will be posted on the Commission website. For any additional questions, please contact Nina Ullom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (202) 322-0232.