may 2023
Letter Voicing concerns of international religious freedom Violations amid conflict in sudan
Letter Voicing concerns of international religious freedom Violations amid conflict in sudan
The IRF Community and Africa Working Group circulated a letter expressing concern about the ongoing conflict in Sudan that began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Signed by a coalition of individuals and organizations advocating for human rights and religious freedom, the letter highlights the devastating impact of the conflict, including loss of life and displacement. The authors support calls for U.S. action, including appointing a Special Envoy, imposing an arms embargo, and enacting sanctions on specific individuals. However, they emphasize the need to address religious freedom violations, citing incidents such as damage to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a rocket strike on an Orthodox Cathedral, and the raid on the Anglican All Saints Cathedral by RSF forces. The letter urges coordination between any appointed Special Envoy and the Office of the Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom to address these concerns. It also requests a statement from the Office of International Religious Freedom regarding the violence in Sudan.