International Religious Freedom Report 2023

International Religious Freedom Report 2023
 

News: Recently, the recommendations of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) 2023 report were rejected by Government of India.
 

About USCIRF:

o It is an independent, bipartisan US federal government commission, dedicated to defending the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad.
o It is an advisory body to the US Congress.
o HQ - Washington DC.
o India does not acknowledge and recognize the views of USCIRF.
 

What are concerns raised about India?

o The report highlights concern regarding certain laws and policies in the country that have potential to discriminate based on religion. Example – CAA, NRC etc
o Brings out concerns about alleged measures that may have impacted important voices, particularly concerning religious minorities. Example - surveillance, harassment, property demolition, and detention under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
o The report has criticized the US State Department for not having designated India as a Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) and has called for sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials.