Worldwide Persecution of Christians: Responding to New Challenges

Announcement

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing examining the persecution of Christians around the world, particularly emerging threats and efforts by governments and civil society to protect vulnerable Christian communities.

The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other international legal instruments. Yet in many countries, governments impose restrictions on religious practice, discriminate against Christians and other religious minorities, and subject religious leaders and believers to surveillance, imprisonment, and other forms of repression. In other places, Christians face violence and intimidation from non-state actors, including extremist movements, militias, and criminal organizations. Armed conflict, political instability, religious nationalism, and weak rule of law can further expose Christian communities to attack and displacement.

Longstanding patterns of persecution are becoming more severe in many places; in others, geopolitical shifts and new political and security developments are creating additional vulnerabilities. Transnational extremist networks, the growing reach of authoritarian governments, and the use of legal and administrative measures to restrict religious activity present challenges that extend beyond individual incidents of violence.

Witnesses will examine where persecution is increasing, which state and non-state actors are responsible, and what political, ideological, and social factors are driving these developments. Witnesses will also assess how churches, civil society organizations, and foreign governments are responding, including efforts to assist victims, protect vulnerable communities, and promote accountability. Finally, they will consider how the United States government can be more effective in defending the universal right of Christians and other religious communities to practice their faith freely and safely.

The hearing will be held in person and is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the interested public, and the media. The hearing will be livestreamed via the Commission website. For any questions, please contact Mark Milosch (for Co-Chair Smith) or Grace Gerardi (for Co-Chair McGovern).

Hosted by