IRF 2024 #2: The IRF Industrial Complex?

Crossing Faiths

In this discussion, Pinna continues sharing his perspective on issues with the international religious freedom (IRF) movement. He argues that IRF advocacy has become an "industry" dominated by a small group of organizations and leaders who control narratives and funding. Pinna questions the impact of high-profile IRF events like the annual Ministerial and Summit, critiquing them as superficial with little measurable outcomes. He calls for greater accountability, prioritizing evidence-based persecution data over anecdotal stories, developing contextualized metrics, and directing more funding towards field operations. Pinna expresses concerns over IRF being co-opted for political agendas and domestic religious issues rather than its legally-intended focus on international issues. He emphasizes the need to strengthen government IRF institutions mandated by legislation versus relying on private groups and citizens. Overall, Pinna argues the IRF movement risks becoming an echo chamber disconnected from effectively addressing rising global religious persecution.

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