Recently, the US Department of State released the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom (IRF). Significantly different from the IRF report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), this document is part of the US State Department. The USCIRF is a separate entity, a bipartisan federal government body carrying a statutory obligation.
The US Office of International Religious Freedom: Background and Purpose
Established in 1998 under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), the Office of International Religious Freedom was initiated by then-President Bill Clinton. The implementation of the Act also led to the creation of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
The primary role of the US Office of International Religious Freedom is to monitor religiously motivated abuses, harassment, and discrimination worldwide. Additionally, it is responsible for recommending, developing, and implementing policy and program solutions to combat these issues. The office assists emerging democracies in promoting freedom of religion and conscience. It also identifies regimes persecuting people due to their religion and aids Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) globally to uphold religious freedom.
Key Findings from the Report
India: Rising Religious Intolerance
According to the report, India has witnessed an increase in attacks on individuals and religious sites due to growing religious intolerance. Incidents of harassment, assaults, and killings of members of religious minority communities were reported throughout the year. Examples include ‘cow vigilantism’ targeting non-Hindus based on allegations of cow slaughter or beef trade.
Furthermore, the report highlights anti-conversion laws in India, with 28 states currently having such laws. Police have arrested non-Hindus for posting comments considered offensive to Hindus or Hinduism on social media or other media platforms. Religious intolerance has also led to targeting and attacks on civilians and migrants in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a significant exodus of Hindu and Sikh migrants.
Global Scenario: Countries Curtailing Religious Freedom
The report cites Vietnam, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan as countries curtailing religious freedom, with instances of genocide, repression, blasphemy accusations, and death sentences. Making progress on religious freedom, however, are Morocco, Timor Leste, Taiwan, and Iraq.
The State of Freedom of Religion in India
In India, the constitution grants freedom of religion, as evident from Article 25-28 and Article 29 and 30, which deal with minority interests protection. These articles provide freedom of conscience and practice, propagation, and management of religious affairs, freedom from taxes promoting any religion, and freedom from attending religious instructions or worships in certain educational institutions.
Despite constitutional safeguards, the report’s findings underscore the challenges of enforcing these rights amid rising religious intolerance, bringing into focus the need for efficient policy implementation and societal change.
