Washington, D.C. – In a recent opinion piece published by Deseret News, Knox Thames, a former special envoy focused on religious minorities in the Middle East and South/Central Asia, argues for the importance of combining robust religious freedom diplomacy with an open and accessible refugee resettlement program.
Thames highlights the precarious situation of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria following the collapse of Assad’s regime. He emphasizes the potential for persecution by new powers and the urgent need for safe havens for those fleeing violence due to their faith.
Global Religious Persecution and Displacement:
Thames cites a Pew Research Center report documenting the correlation between governmental attacks on religion and social hostility toward religion. He also references the UNHCR’s finding that 122.6 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, or events seriously disturbing public order. He emphasizes that religious persecution plays a significant role in many of these displacements, with billions facing discrimination or violence for their beliefs.
The Role of the United States:
Thames argues that the U.S. can address this global challenge by combining strong religious freedom diplomacy with a responsive refugee resettlement system. He points to the Trump administration’s focus on elevating international religious freedom and the Biden administration’s increase in refugee resettlement as two necessary approaches.
He emphasizes the vital role of America’s refugee resettlement system, with its thorough vetting process, in providing a lifeline for those fleeing religious persecution. He cites a report by World Relief and Open Doors USA, “State of the Golden Door,” which highlights the link between religious persecution and displacement. The report also expresses concern about potential threats to the U.S.’s role as a safe haven.
Call for Compassion and Action:
Thames stresses that persecuted Christians are not alone and that people of all religious backgrounds may face similar threats. He calls for broad compassion and emphasizes that many would rather flee their homeland than renounce their beliefs.
He concludes by arguing that providing refugees with a safe haven aligns with American values of religious freedom, justice, and compassion. He suggests that by promoting religious freedom abroad and offering refugee resettlement at home, the U.S. can effectively advance freedom, stability, combat persecution, and ultimately save lives.