How the U.S and Other Governments are Failing Religious People

Religious freedom is deteriorating around the world and efforts to protect it haven't kept pace with persecution, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's latest report, released Monday.

World leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, may speak often about the value of religious freedom, but these statements do little to deter the surveillance, imprisonment or murder of vulnerable people of faith. It will take additional action, such as targeted sanctions and increased funding, to make a difference for marginalized communities, members of the commission said.

"The international community is increasingly responsible for allowing … governments to get away with systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom without consequence or accountability," the report explains.