ID HCR037

Recognizes and commends Azerbaijan's long-standing traditions of interfaith tolerance, inclusion, and harmony among Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Acknowledges Azerbaijan as a secular nation with a Christian community of 450,000 people and Jewish community of about 30,000, both with heritage dating back centuries in the region.

Notes Azerbaijan's government efforts to foster interfaith tolerance through building and rebuilding religious structures, providing equal financial support to all three religions, and ensuring Christian and Jewish representation in all three branches of government.

Highlights Azerbaijan's role in promoting interfaith dialogue, hosting the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum in April 2016, and proclaiming 2016 as a Year of Multiculturalism.

Expresses that the United States should support Azerbaijan as a tolerant and secular ally and consider its interfaith acceptance model as an example to encourage globally amid rising radicalism and intolerance.