Why is it in the news?
- The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report on October 2, 2024, highlighting “collapsing religious freedom conditions” in India.
- The report details killings and lynchings of minority community members, arbitrary arrests of religious leaders, and the demolition of places of worship. In response, the Indian government dismissed the report, labelling USCIRF as a “biased organization.”
| About USCIRF · The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal agency established under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). · Its mission is to monitor global freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) based on international human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. · The USCIRF operates separately from the Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) within the U.S. State Department, which also produces reports on religious freedom.
USCIRF’s Monitoring and Designations · The USCIRF monitors global religious freedom through research and discussions with human rights representatives, publishing annual reports that recommend countries for designation as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) or inclusion on the “Special Watch List” (SWL). · CPCs commit systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom, while SWL countries face severe violations but do not meet the CPC criteria. · The U.S. State Department can impose policy measures, including sanctions, based on these designations.
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More about the news
- In its update on India, the USCIRF states that religious freedom has deteriorated in 2024. The report cites legislation like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and discriminatory laws regarding conversions, cow slaughter, and terrorism as tools for repressing minorities.
- It also notes the use of hateful rhetoric by officials to incite violence and destruction of places of worship, leading to India’s designation as a CPC.
- The Indian government, through Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, rejected the USCIRF’s claims, asserting that the organization is biased and politically motivated. Jaiswal urged USCIRF to avoid what he termed “agenda-driven efforts.”
- Despite accusations of bias, USCIRF’s reports are backed by extensive research and credible sources, including media and direct testimonies. The latest update on India relies on publicly verifiable documentation.
- However, concerns about the report’s timing and potential political motivations have arisen, as the USCIRF is viewed by some as a tool of U.S. foreign policy.
- Further, the USCIRF recommendations are not binding; it is ultimately up to the U.S. State Department to accept them. Decisions regarding designations and policy responses are typically influenced by broader considerations of bilateral relations and foreign policy objectives.
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