Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Morocco
Announcement
The deportation of approximately 40 American citizens and scores of other foreign nationals on charges of proselytism has raised serious concerns about the status of religious freedom in Morocco. The individuals deported ran a wide array of humanitarian organizations which provided services vital to the community. One of the organizations targeted was the Village of Hope, an orphanage that takes in children that have been abandoned by their parents. Time Magazine reported that “the Village of Hope deportations are part of what appears to be a widespread crackdown on Christian aid workers in Morocco.” Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World Report noted backsliding in Morocco on a host of other democracy and human rights issues over the course of the last year.
If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Hoffman (Rep. Wolf) at 202-225-3599.
Hosted by:
Co-Chairman, TLHRC
Witnesses
- Katie Zoglin, senior program manager, Freedom House
Written testimony - Michael Cloud, president, Association Nichan
Written testimony - Herman Boonstra, leader, Village of Hope
Written testimony - Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Lynn Padilla, foster parents, Village of Hope
Written testimony - Dr. Sandra Bunn-Livingstone, Esq., executive director, Jus Cogens LLC
Written testimony