Religious Freedom is a Fundamental Human Right

By U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, Jerry P. Lanier

 President Barack Obama has proclaimed January 16 as “Religious Freedom Day” in the United States to commemorate the day in 1786 when the State of Virginia adopted Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This document led to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion for all Americans. President Obama said the United States’ commitment to the universal human right of religious freedom extends beyond U.S. borders to include all of those persecuted for their faith.  “My administration,” the President asserted, “will continue to oppose growing trends in many parts of the world to restrict religious expression.”

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 states that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

But it takes more than declarations to make religious freedom a reality.  According to a recent study by the Washington-based Pew Research Center, nearly 70 percent of the world’s 6.8 billion people live in countries with strong restrictions on religious belief and/or practice, and those in religious minorities are often the most affected.

The U.S. Government promotes freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and source of stability for all countries.  Uganda is a leader in Africa in the promotion and protection of religious freedom, and the U.S. will continue to build bridges between Americans and Ugandans through interfaith dialogue during the New Year.

The freedom to practice our faith and follow our conscience is essential if we are all to live in harmony.  On Religious Freedom Day, let us rededicate ourselves to foster peace with those whose beliefs differ from our own.  In doing so, we reaffirm our common humanity and respect for all people.