(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/28/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to swiftly approve President Joe Biden’s nomination of Rashad Hussain as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the wake of his “informative and impressive” confirmation hearing. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Rashad would be the first Muslim ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom.
During his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, October 27th, Hussain laid out his vision for enhancing religious freedom around the world and received positive responses from both Democratic and Republican senators. He also fielded numerous questions about how he would use the position of ambassador-at-large to confront China’s ongoing abuses against religious minorities, including the genocide of Uyghur Muslims.
SEE: Senate Foreign Affairs Committee: Hearing: Nominations, Oct. 26, 2021
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“In the wake of Rashad Hussain’s informative and impressive appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we urge senators to swiftly confirm his nomination for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.”
“As an accomplished Muslim American attorney and diplomat with a long history of standing up for religious freedom here and abroad, Rashad Hussain is the perfect choice for this position. His historic confirmation would mark an important milestone for the American Muslim community and the country.
“Hussain’s confirmation would also represent an important step in President Biden’s pledge to build a federal government that reflects the diversity of our nation.”
In July, CAIR applauded President Biden’s appointment of Hussain as nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and Khizr Khan as appointee for Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
SEE: CAIR Applauds Appointment of Rashad Hussain, Khizr Khan to Religious Freedom Posts
Awad noted that in 2010, CAIR welcomed President Obama’s appointment of Rashad Hussain as special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Appointment of U.S. Envoy to World Muslim Body
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com