“Religious persecution and intolerance remains far too prevalent,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared today. The Trump administration will address the problem by “advancing international religious freedom around the world.”

He was speaking in a White House press conference for the release of the 2016 International Religious Freedom Report. The report outlines the status of religious freedom in almost 200 countries. The 1998 International Religious Freedom Act requires the State Department produce it.

Religious freedom is a core American value and a universal human right, said Tillerson. The government must “Stand for liberty and stand with the persecuted.” It must “promote respect for religious freedom by all governments and peoples.”

Genocidal ISIS

The crime of genocide requires “specific acts with specific intent to destroy in whole or in part specific people,” Tillerson noted. By this definition, ISIS is responsible for the genocide of Yezidis, Christians and Shia Muslims. The terrorist group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on Christian pilgrims and churches in Egypt. The Trump administration is making the protection of these minority groups and others subject to violent extremism a human rights priority.

Other “egregious” examples Tillerson provided included Iran. That country executed 20 people in 2016 for crimes such as “waging war against God.” Saudi Arabia imprisons, lashes and fines religious minorities. Pakistan imprisons and executes those who aren’t Muslim.

Tillerson went on to say:

No one should have to live in fear, worship in secret, or face discrimination because of his or her beliefs. As President Trump has said, we look forward to a day when, quote, “people of all faiths, Christians and Muslims, Jewish and Hindu, can follow their hearts and worship according to their conscience,” end quote. The State Department will continue its efforts to make that a reality.

“We look forward to working with Congress, and the administration,” said the Secretary of State, “to continue America’s indispensable role as a champion of religious freedom the world over.”