Final In-Person IRF Roundtable of 2024 Honors IRF Ambassador, Rashad Hussain on Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C., Dec 13 – Final In-person IRF Roundtable of 2024 Honors IRF Ambassador, Rashad Hussain on Capitol Hill

On December 9, the IRF Roundtable convened in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill for its final in-person IRF Roundtable of the year. Representatives from civil society and the U.S. Government discussed ongoing initiatives and challenges in advancing international religious freedom.

The meeting commenced with co-chairs Greg Mitchell and Nadine Maenza recognizing Ambassador Rashad Hussain’s exemplary service as Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom in the U.S. Department of State. The IRF Roundtable community expressed deep gratitude for Ambassador Hussain’s steadfast participation in discussions and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. In turn, Ambassador Hussain conveyed his appreciation for the collective efforts of the IRF Roundtable participants.

Nominated in July 2021 and confirmed on January 24, 2022, by President Joseph Biden, Ambassador Rashad Hussain “serves as principal advisor to the Secretary and advisor to the President on religious freedom conditions and policy. He leads the Department’s efforts to monitor religious freedom abuses, persecution, and discrimination worldwide. He also oversees policies and programs to address these concerns and works to build diverse and dynamic partnerships with the broadest range of civil society, with equitable and meaningful inclusion of faith actors globally.”

Alongside Ambassador Hussain, other U.S. Government special guest speakers included: 

• Erin Singshinsuk, Executive Director, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
• Amanda Vigneaud, Initiative Lead, Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Miranda Jolicoeur, Director, Justice, Human Rights, and Security Office, USAID
• Jenny Yang, External Relations Officer, United Nations Refugee Agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The IRF Roundtable concluded with civil society representatives addressing critical issues in Turkey, Pakistan, India, Egypt, South Korea, and Burma, alongside global efforts to assist prisoners of conscience. Participants also discussed several active multi-faith letters:

• An urgent call for the cessation of legal proceedings against detained university students associated with the Hizmet movement in Turkey.
• A letter of collective support for Senator Marco Rubio’s ongoing dedication to promoting international religious freedom.
• An additional letter encouraging Senator Rubio’s continued advocacy for prisoners of conscience should he assume the role of Secretary of State.

Before and after the IRF Roundtable meeting, participants gathered together for light holiday refreshments sharing best wishes to their fellow advocates during this time of hope, gratitude, and for many — prayer for peace in the world. The IRF Secretariat extended heartfelt thanks to all participants – both in-person and online – for their unwavering commitment to advancing international religious freedom.