Advocating for persecuted people of faith: A social justice imperative

In order to remain relevant in the 21st century, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) policy statements contend that the profession must address international human rights abuses. Violations stemming from religion are specifically mentioned by NASW as an issue requiring the attention of social workers. Little, if any, material has appeared in the literature on this topic, however, even though the United Nations (UN) has expressed deep concern over the overall global rise in violations of religious freedom rights. To address this gap, the present study reviews internationally sanctioned religious freedom rights along with the increasing violation of those rights. Persecuted people of faith represent some of the most vulnerable, marginalized people in the world. Members of essentially every faith group experience persecution, although Christians are the most victimized globally. Suggestions for advocacy are discussed along with clinical and educational implications.