US again designates Pak, China as countries of concern over violation of religious freedom

Washington DC, November 18: In a major blow to China and his friend Pakistan, United States has once again designated both the country including several 8 other countries as “countries of particular concern” for systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.

 

 

In a statement, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said, the Biden Administration is committed to supporting every individual's right to freedom of religion or belief, including by confronting and combating violators and abusers of this human right.

 

The ten nations of “Particular Concern” for violations of religious freedom are Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan for “having engaged in or tolerated “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom,” according to the State Department statement.

 

Meanwhile, the US has also placed four countries on the "special watch list. Blinken said Algeria, Comoros, Cuba, and Nicaragua have been placed on a special watch list for governments that have “engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

 

 

 

Moreover, the Taliban has been designated as one of the “entities of particular concern” along with al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Greater Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin. The Taliban are yet to prove themselves as an inclusive administration that respects the rights of the minorities, women, and children.

 

The challenges to religious freedom in the world today are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched, said Blinken. "We will continue to press all governments to remedy shortcomings in their laws and practices, and to promote accountability for those responsible for abuses," he said.

 

"The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organizations, and members of religious communities to advance religious freedom around the world and address the plight of individuals and communities facing abuse, harassment, and discrimination on account of what they believe, or what they do not believe," he added.

.

.