Faith
USCIRF Urges Action for Religious Refugees
Faith Facts
- The USCIRF highlights a moral and legal responsibility to protect refugees escaping religious persecution.
- Many countries have not signed key international agreements safeguarding refugees’ rights.
- Recent cases in Thailand and Pakistan reveal urgent challenges facing persecuted believers and other faith minorities.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom states that all nations are called to defend the innocent fleeing religious oppression, upholding justice as a moral mandate rooted in biblical values.
According to international law, nations ought to shelter those escaping persecution, yet many still fail to embrace this duty.
USCIRF pointed to harrowing events, such as thousands of Uyghur refugees in Thailand facing detainment and unsafe conditions, and Afghan Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims at risk after deportation from Pakistan.
“With the number of refugees increasing, these populations are likely to become even more vulnerable.”
“Refugees are forced to flee their homes only to encounter extreme challenges in their new communities, such as discrimination, lack of services, poor living conditions, and untreated trauma.”
“Addressing the basic needs of refugee populations can reduce grievances and mitigate the risk of radicalization, which in turn promotes national, regional, and global security.”
Christians are called to stand boldly in prayer and advocacy for those who suffer for their faith, pledging to protect the dignity and life of every person as a witness to God’s love in action.