Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC)

Hearing Announcement:

Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Morocco

1-3 p.m.

Thursday, June 17

2325 Rayburn HOB

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on human rights and religious freedom in Morocco.  This hearing is open to the press and the public.  The deportation of approximately 40 American citizens and scores of other foreign nationals on charges of proselytism has raised serious concerns about the status of religious freedom in Morocco.  The individuals deported ran a wide array of humanitarian organizations which provided services vital to the community.  One of the organizations targeted was the Village of Hope, an orphanage that takes in children that have been abandoned by their parents.  Time Magazine reported that “the Village of Hope deportations are part of what appears to be a widespread crackdown on Christian aid workers in Morocco.”  Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World Report noted backsliding in Morocco on a host of other democracy and human rights issues over the course of the last year. 

To discuss these issues, we will welcome as our witnesses:***

Katie Zoglin, senior program manager, Freedom House
Michael Cloud, president, Association Nichan

Herman Boonstra, leader, Village of Hope
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Lynn Padilla, foster parents, Village of Hope

Dr. Sandra Bunn-Livingstone, Esq., executive director, Jus Cogens LLC

***Witness list subject to change.

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Hoffman (Rep. Wolf) at 202-225-3599.

Frank R. Wolf, M.C.

Co-Chairman, TLHRC