U.S.Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

Why in the news?

India criticised USCIRF’s 2024 report, calling it biassed and politically motivated, following claims of worsening religious freedom conditions and violations in India throughout the year.

U.S.Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

India’s Response to USCIRF Report:

  • The Indian government rejected the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2024 report, calling it “biassed” and politically motivated.
  • External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that USCIRF misrepresents facts about India and urged the commission to focus on U.S. human rights issues instead.

USCIRF’s 2024 Report on India:

  • The report recommended India be labelled a “Country of Particular Concern” due to severe religious freedom violations.
  • It highlighted worsening religious freedom in 2024, especially around national elections.
  • Issues noted include discriminatory laws like anti-conversion and anti-terrorism laws, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and a state-level Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand.

Specific Violations Highlighted:

  • The report mentioned expropriation of Muslim properties and places of worship, including mosques, in favour of Hindu temples.
  • It flagged attacks on minorities after Ayodhya temple’s consecration, cow vigilante violence, and anti-conversion arrests targeting Christians.
  • USCIRF also criticised political hate speech, crackdowns on civil society groups, and the use of India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to restrict faith-based NGOs.

What is the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)?

  • Independent, bipartisan US federal government commission.
  • Focuses on defending religious freedom globally.
  • Acts as an advisory body to the US Congress.
  • Headquartered in Washington, DC.
  • Established after the enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), 1998.
  • USCIRF recommendations are non-binding on the US State Department.
  • Recommendations: Suggests countries for designation as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs).
  • IRFA aims to condemn violations of religious freedom and assist other nations in promoting it.
  • India traditionally does not acknowledge USCIRF’s perspectives on religious freedom.

US Religious Freedom Designations (2024):

  • Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs): China, North Korea, Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Myanmar.
  • Special Watch List (SWL) Countries: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Central African Republic, Comoros, Vietnam.
  • Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs): Al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, Taliban.
  • Criteria: CPCs and EPCs are designated for “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” religious freedom violations, while SWLs face severe violations without full CPC designation.

State of Freedom of Religion in India:

  • Article 25: Guarantees freedom of conscience, and the right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.
  • Article 26: Grants freedom to manage religious affairs, including establishing and maintaining religious institutions.
  • Article 27: Ensures no person is compelled to pay taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
  • Article 28: Provides freedom regarding religious instruction in educational institutions, with restrictions in state-funded schools.
  • Articles 29 & 30: Protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities, ensuring their freedom to preserve their identity and establish institutions.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times