Former USCIRF chair Maenza appointed president of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Due to her tireless and fruitful work in defense of international religious freedoms and minorities, especially in Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq and Syria, former chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Nadine Maenza assumed her new position as president of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat (IRF).

The IRF is an international organization focused on building religious freedom for everyone. It is the social convener of the global network of Roundtables which is the premier space for practical policy discussions and inclusive coordination of actions between faith communities, civil society and governments.

“It is hard to overstate the impact IRF Secretariat has had in providing leadership to the religious freedom community with the International Religious Freedom Roundtables it convenes in Washington, D.C and in over 20 countries globally,” said Maenza. “It is an honor to join this distinguished team as they work to further grow the movement, working to ensure that all around the world can practice their faith freely.”

In May, Maenza finished her second term as a White House appointee on the USCIRF, serving as Chair since June 2021. During that time, she contributed to many publications, joined delegations to foreign countries, including the regions of North and East Syria.

She called on the U.S. administration to recognize the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) in North and East Syria, where democracy, tolerance and coexistence prevail.

Maenza affirmed her support for the DAA and the Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) people and their rights to defend their homeland and live with freedom and dignity.