World News

USCIRF denounces “downward spiral” for religious freedom in Afghanistan

For the first time in 20 years, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom is recommending that the U.S. State Department designate Afghanistan as a country of particular concern as the Taliban’s takeover has led to a surge in the persecution of religious minorities.

 

At a press conference on Monday, USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza spoke about the 2022 Annual Report, which highlights both state and non-state actors that are engaged in the most egregious violations of religious freedom.

“USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. advisory body dedicated to promoting the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad,” she said, explaining that the annual report classifies countries as either a country of particular concern or placement on a special watch list. USCIRF has been authorized to compile reports on violators since the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

The report classifies countries as either a country of particular concern or placement on a special watch list. Maenza defined countries of particular concern as “countries whose governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.”

Source: christianpost.com

Leave a reply