Vicky Hartzler Marks International Religious Freedom Act Anniversary
Vicky Hartzler, a former representative from Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, in late October helped mark the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).
“IRFA has allowed the United States to keep a shining light on religious freedom abroad,” said Hartzler, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“Furthermore, IRFA has brought leaders together from both political parties to confront persecutors and stand with the persecuted. No person anywhere should be denied the fundamental freedom of religion or belief.”
Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, IRFA created enduring mechanisms to advance religious freedom abroad. It established the commission as an independent, bipartisan legislative branch federal agency; created an International Religious Freedom Office at the U.S. Department of State; and established an ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom who works directly with the secretary of state. The law mandated monitoring religious freedom abroad, designating countries with particularly severe violations as countries of particular concern and providing various presidential actions to encourage foreign governments to secure this right for their people.
As part of the institutional and policy framework that supports freedom of religion or belief, the commission has monitored violations of religious freedom globally and made policy recommendations to the U.S. government to encourage accountability for perpetrators of religious persecution and to support those defending their rights. The commission continues to call for the full implementation of IRFA, including appointing the special advisor to the President on IRFA.
“As outlined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of religion or belief,” Vice Chair Asif Mahmood said. “We call for the U.S. government to work with partners, allies and even adversaries to abide by the UDHR, including releasing those who have been imprisoned simply for peacefully practicing their faith.”
In its 2025 annual report, the commission encourages Congress and the administration to continue strengthening IRFA’s legacy through sustained funding, diplomatic prioritization and designations for religious freedom violators that maintain accountability and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all people.
–Alan Goforth
