USCIRF Releases Factsheet Reiterating its Recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL Designations

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL Designations Factsheet – With the U.S. Department of State’s designations expected this month, this factsheet reiterates USCIRF’s recommendations to the State Department regarding countries that should be designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) or placed on its Special Watchlist (SWL) based on religious freedom conditions in 2020.

For the 2020 reporting period, USCIRF recommended four countries for CPC status that the State Department did not previously designate and 10 countries for the SWL that the State Department did not have on that list. The additional countries USCIRF recommends for CPC designation include India, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam. The additional countries USCIRF recommends for the SWL include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

The factsheet explains the types of violations set forth in the International Religious Freedom Act that, if perpetrated or tolerated by a foreign government, should result in the State Department designating it as a CPC or placing it on the SWL. It also presents analysis on the 14 countries recommended by USCIRF, including a summary of the religious freedom violations in 2020 and major developments so far in 2021 that reflect the overall conditions justifying the designation.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

USCIRF Releases New Report on Burma

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Burma Country Update – This country update assesses religious freedom conditions in Burma since the military coup on February 1, 2021. On February 1, 2021, the Burmese military—known as the Tatmadaw—launched a coup to overturn election results that would have locked them out of the civilian-led government. Protests against this coup were met with violence from the Tatmadaw. The coup exacerbated already dire religious freedom conditions for Burma’s vulnerable ethno-religious communities, including the predominantly Muslim Rohingya and various Christian groups. The Tatmadaw has also targeted members of the Buddhist majority who have expressed opposition to the military junta. In addition to detailing significant religious freedom violations against these religious communities, the factsheet details the responses of various international and domestic actors—including the U.S. government—that aim to hold the Burmese military accountable and stem future violations.

USCIRF has monitored religious freedom conditions in Burma since 2000, when it first recommended that the country be designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). In its 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF once again recommended Burma continue to be designated as a CPC. On May 12, 2021 and July 28, USCIRF held two hearings on ending genocide which touched upon the conditions of Rohingya in Burma and explored opportunities to hold the Tatmadaw accountable for the atrocities committed against Rohingya. USCIRF has also highlighted the situation for the Rohingya community in Burma on an episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast immediately following the coup.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].