Reflecting on 2024: Five Big IRF Roundtable Multi-faith Advocacy Victories
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., Jan 8 – Reflecting on 2024: Five Big IRF Roundtable Multi-faith Advocacy Victories
As 2024 draws to a close, the IRF Roundtable reflects on a year of significant milestones in our mission to advance religious freedom worldwide. From advocating for legislative measures to standing in solidarity with persecuted individuals, these achievements were only possible through the unwavering commitment of our multi-faith partners, dedicated working group co-chairs, tireless participants, and generous supporters. Together, we have made an enduring impact, empowering faith communities and championing the fundamental right to religious freedom for all.
Lautenberg Amendment
Under the leadership and partnership with HIAS, the IRF Roundtable delivered a multi-faith letter on February 28 supporting the Lautenberg Amendment to be included in the final FY2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) appropriations bill.
The Lautenberg Amendment has provided an essential pathway for thousands of historically persecuted religious minorities from former Soviet Union (FSU) countries and Iran, including Ukraine, to reunite with their loved ones here in the United States. On March 23, HIAS announced victory and thanked its multi-faith partners.
Reauthorization of THE U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
The IRF Roundtable Congressional Working Group delivered a multi-faith letter on July 15, backed by the 218 signatures of advocates and organizations, urging Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) before its sunset date on September 30.
Through the tireless work and leadership of co-chairs, Anna Sineva and Kyle Cristofalo -- on September 23, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Act of 2024 (S. 3764), reauthorizing for two more years.
United Nations General Assembly Adopts Language on Child, Early and Forced Marriage
The IRF Roundtable celebrates an important milestone in the global fight to advance religious freedom for all including protecting women and girls from abduction, trafficking, and forced religious conversion. On November 18, during its 52nd meeting, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Third Committee adopted critical language in the resolution on Child, Early, and Forced Marriage. This achievement follows tireless joint advocacy by UN Working Group co-chairs, Jonas Fiebrantz and Ann Buwulda, and 60+ organizations and individuals.
H.RES. 554 Agreed in THE U.S. House of Representatives
This resolution, introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin [D-MI-7], affirms that the fundamental human right and dignity of the religious and ethnic minority communities of Iraq should be a policy priority of the United States and the international community.
The IRF Roundtable launched a multi-faith letter in support of H.Res. 554, under the leadership of William Roberts, representing the support of 43 organizations and advocates, delivered to Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries on the day of the vote. On November 20, H.Res 554 passed in a motion to reconsider without objection.
Acquittal of Nigerian Christian Mother of 5, Rhoda Jatau
Following diligent and strategic advocacy of the Prisoners of Conscience Working Group under the leadership of ADF International’s Legal Counsel, Sean Nelson, and Jubilee Campaign USA’s Hulda Fahmi, Rhoda Jatau, a mother of 5 in Nigeria, was finally acquitted in December 2024.
Rhoda spent 19 months in prison due to blasphemy charges after sharing a video on WhatsApp, condemning the murder of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Christian student who was set on fire and lynched by her classmates for sharing her faith in 2022. We are glad Rhoda is now safe and her story stands as a courageous beacon of hope in Nigeria and beyond.
As we step into 2025, these victories remind us of the power of collaboration and perseverance in advancing the cause of religious freedom. While we’ve highlighted five key stories here, they represent only a fraction of the progress made. We remain deeply grateful for the partnerships that fuel our work and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead. Together, we continue to pave the way for a world where everyone can freely practice their faith or belief.
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For further information, please contact:
Kaylee Fisher
kfisher@irfsecretariat.org
