The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
recently issued its second annual report, broadening its policy recommendations
to cover 10 countries in which religious freedom is at risk.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
recently issued its second annual report, broadening its policy recommendations
to cover 10 countries in which religious freedom is at risk.
“There is a great deal of persecution going on,”
commissioner Nina Shea said. “There are serious religious freedom concerns
that must be addressed around the world. There are also different kinds of regimes
and governments, and we need to deal with those in different ways.”
Last year the commissions report dealt with violations
in China, Russia and Sudan. This years report includes those three countries,
along with India, Indonesia, Iran, North Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam.
It also includes sections on U.S. capital markets and foreign assistance.
Not all of the countries treated by the report are equal abusers
of religious freedom, commission Chair Elliott Abrams said. “Russia, despite
its problems, enjoys a much larger degree of religious freedom than many of
the others,” he said. “In Indonesia and Nigeria, the problem is not
a central government that violates religious freedom, but local or state officials
and private citizens doing so in violation of the central governments
wishes.”
Abrams noted the commission found Sudan to be “the worlds
most violent abuser of the right to freedom of religion and belief.”
In its recommendations, the commission advocates all companies
doing business in “countries of particular concern” be required to
disclose the nature of their business before being allowed to glean investments
from U.S. capital markets. Along with Sudan, the nations currently identified
by the State Department as countries of particular concern are Afghanistan,
Burma, China, Iran, Iraq and Serbia.
However, the level of attention the new administration may
give such recommendations remains to be seen. A careful observer said he believes
the recommendations likely will be taken seriously. However, whether action
will follow is another question, he acknowledged.
Highlights of the report include looks at:
China
The report notes a heightened government crackdown on unregistered
religious groups in China and a tightening of restrictions on official religions.
Among recommendations, the commission urges the United States to use its influence
in the world to prevent China from being selected as a site for the Olympic
Games until sustained religious freedom and human rights improvements have been
demonstrated.
India
While a democratic country, India has experienced an increase
in violence against religious minorities, the commission report notes. The commission
says the violence has coincided with the rise of Hindu nationalist groups –
which include the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party – in national and state-level
politics. Recommendations call for the United States to insist on better and
more extensive communication about human rights and religious freedom. The report
also suggests an allocation of money for the promotion of religious tolerance
education.
Indonesia
The report focuses on increasing communal violence in the Moluccas,
or Spice Islands. It recommends that the United States press Indonesia to pay
attention to the conflict; remove all outside militia forces Muslim and
Christian; pursue a reconciliation program; and ensure perpetrators of violence
are brought to justice.
Iran
The report notes unofficial and evangelistic minority religious
groups suffer particularly acute official discrimination – the most vulnerable
group being the Bahai community. The commission recommends the president
or secretary of state reaffirm in its dialogue with Iran that human rights and
religious freedom improvements are a prerequisite for a normalization of relations
with the United States, including a complete lifting of current sanctions.
North Korea
Though it is difficult to gain reliable information on this
country, the report insists that religious freedom in North Korea is “non-existent.”
The United States should stress that normalization of relations and the complete
lifting of sanctions are tied to human rights and religious freedom improvements,
the commission argues. This point should be pushed in all high-level diplomatic
exchanges.
Nigeria
“Religious life in Nigeria is public, vigorous, and diverse,”
the report asserts. Yet communal violence along religious and ethnic lines continues
to break out. In particular, tension between Muslims and Christians continues
to increase as several northern states move to expand the implementation of
Sharia – or Islamic law. The commission urges the administration to promote
religious freedom in diplomatic discussions and to encourage the Nigerian government
to monitor the application of Sharia-based criminal law in the north.
Pakistan
The commission report argues that Pakistan is not doing enough
to ensure religious freedom for minority groups. Many such groups argue they
are marginalized politically by a system of separate electorates. Laws against
blasphemy in this Islamic nation are reportedly abused to the detriment of minority
faith groups, the report charges. Detention and violence sometimes result. The
United States should urge the Pakistani government to take procedural steps
toward curtailing the abuse of blasphemy laws and should take the position that
separate electoral systems for minority groups clash with basic democratic principles.
Russia
The government of Russia has yet to speak concerning its decision
not to extend the deadline for the registration of religious groups as required
by a 1997 law. Meanwhile, some 1,500 religious groups face potential “liquidation”
by the government. The United States government should monitor religious freedom
issues in Russia and raise them at the highest diplomatic levels.
Sudan
In the midst of an 18-year civil war, Sudans Islamic
regime continues to inflict widespread human rights abuses, including the bombing
of civilian targets, the commission report asserts. The president should appoint
a high-profile special envoy to Sudan, and foreign companies investing in Sudans
oil and gas development should be closed out of United States capital markets.
Vietnam
“Despite a marked increase in religious practice among
the Vietnamese people in the last 10 years, the Vietnamese government continues
to suppress organized religious activities forcefully and to monitor and control
religious communities,” the commission report notes. The commission suggests
that congressional consideration of a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam
be linked to “religious freedom factors.” Otherwise, it may be interpreted
by Vietnam leaders as a signal of American indifference on the issue, the commission
report warns. (BP)