US put 10 countries on a blacklist of serious violators of religious freedom

The United States’ commitment to promoting freedom of religion and belief for all in all countries has never wavered. In too many parts of the world, we continue to see governments harass, arrest, threaten, imprison and kill people who seek to live according to their faith. This Administration is committed to supporting the freedom of religion or belief for everyone, including by challenging and targeting those who violate and abuse this human right.

Each year, the Secretary of State has the responsibility to identify governments and non-state groups that violate religious freedom and to do so under the International Religious Freedom Act. I now identify Myanmar, the People’s Republic of China, Eritrea, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as countries of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating “systematic, persistent and grave violations of religious freedom”. I also placed Virginia, the Comoros, Cuba and Nicaragua on a special watch list for “serious violations of religious freedom” committed or tolerated by their governments. Finally, I identify al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthi Movement Houthis, ISIS, ISGS, ISWA, Jama ‘at Nasr al-Islam Wal Muslimin and the Taliban are groups of particular concern.

The challenges to religious freedom in the world today are structural, systemic and deep-rooted. These challenges exist in every country and require the global commitment of all who refuse to see hatred, intolerance and persecution as the status quo, as well as the urgent attention of the international community.

We will continue to press all governments to amend their laws and practices, and to hold those responsible accountable. The United States is committed to working with governments, civil rights organizations, and members of religious communities to advance religious freedom around the world, and to address the plight of individuals and communities who face aggression, harassment, and discrimination because of their faith or lack of it.