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Trump’s Merit-First Policy Gathers Momentum as House Votes to End DEI Programs

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward rolling back federal initiatives promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by passing the “Dismantle DEI Act” (H.R.8706) along party lines. The legislation aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate programs that advance critical race theory (CRT) and DEI policies, which […]

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Pakistan’s First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari Highlights Women’s Empowerment at Global Forum

November 27,2024: Her Excellency, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly, attended the Global Women’s Forum, being held in Dubai on 26 November 2024. The forum was organised by Dubai Women Establishment. The inaugural session of the Forum was attended by His Higheness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, […]

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21Wilberforce Appoints New President and Board Members

Washington, DC – 21Wilberforce, a global organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, has announced in 2024 the appointment of Wissam al-Saliby as its new President. Al-Saliby, a renowned expert in international religious freedom and human rights, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is committed to strengthening the organization’s mission. Speaking about his […]

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Austria Strengthens Efforts to Protect Religious Freedom and Belief

As part of ‘Red Wednesday,’ an initiative by Aid to the Church in Need, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights the ongoing persecution, pressure, and threats faced by millions of Christians globally. The Ministry remains dedicated to protecting religious freedom and supporting persecuted religious minorities. In recent years, Austria has established intercultural and interreligious […]

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RFI’s Miles Windsor Joins Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue in Prague

Last week the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an important intercultural and interfaith dialogue at the Czernin Palace in Prague. The topic was “Freedom of Religion or Belief to Build Peace, Counter Islamophobia and Radical Ideologies.” The event was attended by ambassadors, government ministers, religious leaders, academics, and civil society actors from around the world. Moderating […]

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Trump Nominates Christian Zionist Mike Huckabee as Israel Envoy, Signals Stronger U.S.-Israel Ties

Washington, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for the ambassadorship to Israel. Huckabee, a prominent supporter of Israel and evangelical Christian Zionist, is expected to play a significant role in shaping U.S.-Israel relations under Trump’s second term. He is also the father of Sarah Huckabee […]

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Evangelicals Outline Priorities for Trump’s Second Term: Religious Freedom, Family Rights, and Global Peace

With Donald Trump poised to begin his second term, many evangelical leaders are expressing high hopes for new policies that advance religious freedom, family values, and peace in foreign affairs. Pastor Robert Jeffress, a prominent Southern Baptist leader and longtime supporter of Trump, voiced optimism about the recent election results, saying, “Our people were elated, […]

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Thomas Farr Honored with 2024 Defender of Religious Freedom Award

Washington, D.C. — The Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) honored Dr. Thomas Farr with its prestigious “Defender of Religious Freedom Award” on Monday, recognizing his lifelong commitment to promoting religious liberty. A devout Catholic and former Army officer, Farr has had a distinguished career that spans public service, academia, and advocacy, all united by his belief […]

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U.S. Leads Alliance in Condemning Anti-Muslim Hatred

As members, friends, and observers of the IRFBA – Article 18 Alliance, we honor and recognize the positive contribution of members of the Muslim faith to the culture, values, security, and prosperity of states.  We strongly condemn any persecution or discrimination based on religion or belief, including the freedom not to hold a religion, all […]

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Southeast Asian Lawmakers Unite to Defend Religious Freedom

Jakarta, Indonesia – A recent summit in Jakarta has brought renewed hope for religious freedom in Southeast Asia. The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) and the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) met in August to address the challenges faced by religious minorities in the region. The gathering resulted […]