Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag, a 27-year old Christian, was sentenced to death by hanging earlier this month for the “crime” of refusing to renounce her faith. Meriam has also been sentenced to 100 lashes for being married to a Christian man.

This is an outrageous violation of an individual’s most basic human right. We all deserve the right to practice the religion of our choice. This clearly isn’t the case in Sudan where citizens can be sentenced to death for their religious beliefs. It is appalling and has no place in any civilized country.

The international community needs to stand as one on Meriam’s side and pressure the Sudanese government to abide by international standards of freedom of religion or belief.

That is why I am cosponsoring a resolution introduced by my colleagues, Senators Marco Rubio (R- FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE), that condemns the death sentence against Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag and calls for her immediate and unconditional release from prison, where she remains with her twenty month-old son. Our resolution encourages U.S. efforts to ensure that the government of Sudan abides by international standards of freedom of religion or belief before normalizing relations or lifting sanctions.

The U.S. is looked upon as a beacon of hope because of the rights we afford to our citizens, but our Founding Fathers had to fight for those rights. This is all the more reason we must stand strong with those fighting persecution for their religious beliefs. Turning a blind eye to the Sudanese government’s egregious violation of Meriam’s rights would be a failure to uphold our obligation to advocate for religious freedom for all.    

On Memorial Day we recognize the honor, commitment and bravery of the men and women who served our nation in uniform and especially those who gave their lives in defense of our country and its ideals. 

It is our responsibility to recognize those servicemembers who laid down their lives for the freedoms we cherish today. We honor the memories of the generations of Americans who proudly served our country in military service and sacrificed their lives for a better future for our nation and its citizens. 

In laying the foundation of this practice, General John A. Logan Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic wrote in the first Memorial Day order “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.” 

General Logan’s orders are still honored today, nearly 150 years later. On Memorial Day we recognize the sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces make while standing in defense of our nation. They do so regardless of the costs, fully aware that they may even make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

I am honored to represent a state with the rich military history that we have in Arkansas, as well as the men and women who are called to duty to protect the freedoms we cherish. We are unfortunately, very familiar with the sacrifice our troops make. To the families of those who are missing a loved one today, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are forever grateful for their last full measure of devotion. 

May God Bless America and the men and women who stand in her defense and those whose heroism has made another day in this great country possible.

In Arkansas, we’ve seen efforts to expand the role of Washington’s control of our land.  Unfortunately this is not unique to our state. Today, President Obama is expected to declare a new half-million acre “national monument” along the U.S. border in the southwest.  

Media reports indicate this designation sets aside nearly 800 square miles of land. Many people are rightfully expressing alarm that this is far more than needed to protect the special objects and sites in this area. Others are alarmed that the size and scope of this monument will make it very difficult for the Border Patrol to do its job.

While the “Antiquities Act” allows the President to set aside federal land to protect historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest.  It also says that the President should set aside ‘‘the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.’’ I am concerned that this is not being followed.

Unfortunately, current law does not provide a way for citizens to make their voices heard before the President acts. We must bring transparency to the process of creating national monuments so that all concerns and points-of-view will be carefully considered before the President takes unilateral action. In the coming weeks, I will work with my colleagues to address this issue and protect the rights of citizens.

Originally published in "The Hill" May 8, 2014 

In the wake of April’s terrible storms, too many lives have been lost and communities devastated. While Arkansans and our neighbors are all too familiar with the destruction that Mother Nature can leave behind, it never gets easier. 

Just ask Cathy Wilson, an amazing grandmother who protected four-year-old Aria with her own body during a tornado hit at a learning center just one year ago. As the wind began to lift Aria from the bathroom floor where they sheltered, Cathy grabbed the little girl’s leg and pulled her back to safety. 

In a few days we will celebrate Mother’s Day. When our families gather, we’ll think about how heroic mothers like Cathy become when their families must flee their homes in terror and despair. For love of children, mothers risk and often sacrifice their own lives. 

Yet we are increasingly troubled by statistics showing that in unprecedented emergencies at home and abroad, mothers and children face particularly horrific challenges. 

This week, Save the Children released its 15th annual “State of the World’s Mothers” report. The report looks at where mothers fare the best and worst. It shines a light on the more than 60 million women and children living within conflict and catastrophe, offers effective solutions to meet critical needs, and recommends policy improvements. 

It reminds us that whether in Mayflower, Arkansas, Tupelo, Mississippi, or Tacloban, Philippines, when a family faces crisis, normalcy is shattered. Children are traumatized and at great risk of physical, emotional, and psychological harm.  

Worldwide, in emergencies women and children are up to 14 times more likely than men to die of injuries and deprivation.  In fact, more than half all maternal and child deaths occur in areas beset by conflicts and natural disasters. 

Without a doubt, the statistics are most alarming in developing nations: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, it is statistically more dangerous to be a woman or child than an armed fighter.

At the same time, here at home, in the 15 years since the first “State of the World’s Mothers” was first released, the United States has fallen in rank from fourth to 31st. 

But there are hopeful indicators, even in the most troubled areas of the world.  Afghanistan, which was the worst place to be a mother in 2010 and 2011, actually improved this year—moving up 32 places.  

As we observe Mother’s Day this year, let’s ensure that Afghanistan’s improvements become the norm. Relief workers must have access in conflict areas, so mothers and children can receive adequate food and health care.  Children must be able to go to school, receive uninterrupted care, and have safe places to play. We must advocate for mothers and promote disaster preparedness. We have in Arkansas, and I’m proud that we meet all four minimum standards for having comprehensive emergency plans in place in schools and child care centers as recommended by the National Commission on Children and Disasters.  

But more work remains to be done. Let’s make everyday a day to honor and protect mothers around the world. 

Sen. John Boozman (R.-Ark) has served since 2011. He previously held a seat as U.S. Representative for the state’s Third District. He and his wife, Cathy live in Rogers, Arkansas, and have three daughters and one granddaughter. 

Carolyn Miles is the President and CEO of Save the Children. She and her husband, Brendan, live in Fairfield, Connecticut, and have two sons and one daughter.