The advocacy group's Australian Director, Elaine Pearson, said religious freedoms are under sustained attack around the world, particularly in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan and Vietnam.
Ms Pearson was speaking at a hearing into the status of freedom of religion and belief underway in Canberra.
She said Australia needs to take action and reinstate its human rights envoy.
"Now, more than ever Australia needs a Human Rights Ambassador given the serious human rights crises around the world.
"We would suggest that this ambassador could regularly report on their efforts to protect and promote human rights including efforts to protect religious freedoms.
Chair of the committee Kevin Andrews said religious freedoms were vital. Source: AAP
"Secondly, we would urge DFAT to issue a public strategy document on human rights that would include their efforts to protect and promote freedom of religion and to identify countries of particular concern.
Chair of the committee Liberal MP Kevin Andrews said balancing human rights and freedom of religion has emerged as a central focus.
“Many submissions to this inquiry have expressed concern that freedom of religion or belief is being challenged by the emphasis placed on other human rights,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“What form any additional protections might take, and how to balance religious freedom with other human rights, are matters being considered by the Sub-Committee.”
The recommendations of Philip Ruddock’s review into religious freedoms have yet to be publicly disclosed as the Turnbull government considers its response.
The review by Mr Ruddock was instigated to deal with concerns about religious freedoms arising during the debate on the same sex marriage plebiscite last year.
Former immigration minister Philip Ruddock has prepared a report into Australia's protection of religious freedom. Source: AAP
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