US Adopts Law on Combating International Islamophobia: Religious Freedom is a Fundamental Right

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Based on the law passed in the House of Representatives of the US Congress at the proposal of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, and sponsored by 56 other lawmakers, the White House, in a special press release, called for the fight against Islamophobia.

The statement notes that the current administration supports the adoption of H.R. 5665 – the Law on Combating International Islamophobia.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, which is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is also part of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Our country's commitment to defending freedom of religion and belief goes back centuries, and the administration strongly believes that people of all faiths and backgrounds around the world should be treated with equal dignity and respect,” it adds.

“The administration of Joe Biden also supports the part of resolution H.R. 5665 that draws attention to cases of forced labor, re-education, or the presence of concentration camps, such as those targeting Uyghurs and other minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.”

Cooperation with Congress was also welcomed to ensure that the Secretary of State has the necessary flexibility and authority to appoint an office and a special envoy with the aim of producing an annual report on Islamophobia in foreign countries.