Advancing International Religious Freedom
Jun 5, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 2, 2020
Published on: Jun 5, 2020
Jun 5, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 2, 2020
Published on: Jun 5, 2020
Summary
Makes protecting religious freedom for all people around the world a top goal for American foreign policy and foreign aid.
What problem does this solve?
Religious freedom is a basic human right, but it is often under attack in other countries. This order directs the U.S. government to make protecting this freedom a central part of its foreign policy, diplomacy, and aid programs.
What does this order do?
Prioritizes religious freedom in foreign policy
Requires the Secretary of State and USAID to create a plan that makes international religious freedom a top priority in U.S. foreign policy and foreign aid programs.
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Foreign assistance funding for international religious freedom
Budgets at least $50 million for religious freedom programs
Allocates at least $50 million each year for programs that support religious freedom. This includes preventing attacks on religious groups and protecting their cultural heritage.
Requires training for federal officials
Mandates that all State Department employees and other federal workers assigned overseas receive training on international religious freedom at least once every three years.
Develops economic tools to advance religious freedom
Directs the Secretaries of State and Treasury to recommend using economic tools, like visa restrictions or sanctions, against countries that violate religious freedom.
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Foreign assistance funding for international religious freedom
Ensures fair access to funding for faith-based groups
Prohibits discrimination against faith-based and religious groups, including those in foreign countries, when they apply for U.S. federal funding.
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Integrating international religious freedom into united states diplomacy
Creates action plans for diplomacy
Directs U.S. Chiefs of Mission in countries with religious freedom violations to develop comprehensive action plans to support and advance this freedom.
Who does this affect?
- Religious minorities in foreign countries
- U.S. foreign service officers and government personnel
- Faith-based organizations seeking U.S. foreign aid
What is the real world impact?
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Could be used as a foreign policy tool
Critics might argue that selectively applying pressure for religious freedom could be used to justify sanctions or other actions against certain nations, while ignoring similar issues in allied countries.
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Promotes a core American value abroad
Elevates religious freedom as a fundamental human right and a key part of U.S. national security and foreign policy. Aligns government actions with stated American principles of liberty.
When does this start?
This order became effective on June 2, 2020, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete specific actions.
Plan to prioritize religious freedom
Within 180 days (by November 29, 2020), the Secretary of State must develop a plan to make religious freedom a priority in foreign policy and aid.
Agency training plans
Within 90 days (by August 31, 2020), all agencies with overseas staff must submit plans for how they will provide religious freedom training.
Recurring training requirement
All affected federal employees must complete international religious freedom training at least once every 3 years.