The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Wednesday called on members of Congress to do more to protect religious minorities in the Middle East.
ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities urged lawmakers to adopt five policies it deemed critical for the well-being of religious minorities.
The policies are: Prioritize a human rights-centered foreign policy and advocate for the rights and freedoms of all minorities in the Middle East; de-politicize the conversation around refugees and address humanitarian needs of asylum seekers; provide financial support to protect and rebuild the religious and cultural heritage of minorities in the Middle East; support and expand interfaith initiatives in the Middle East; and remain committed to identifying and addressing immediate threats to all minorities across the Middle East.
ADL noted that its Task Force on Middle East Minorities is committed to highlighting the plight of religious minorities in the Middle East.
It does so by striving to bring international attention to the human rights offenses committed against minority communities in the region.
According to ADL, the Task Force “consists of regional and topical experts who serve as an advisory body to augment ADL’s work in protecting vulnerable minorities by identifying, elevating, and educating on emerging human rights issues in the Middle East.”