14 countries have been identified as “countries of particular concern” for their “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” violations of religious freedom [1] in the latest annual report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The report recommends 15 other countries as needing special monitoring for their severe violations.
Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom for ADF International said nobody should be persecuted because of their faith. “The persecution of Christians and other religious minorities across the globe has not only been an ongoing concern for a long time but has also risen in intensity and scale. Christians in countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Myanmar are regularly victims of violence, false or unjust accusations, and imprisonment. USCIRF’s Annual Report continues to draw attention to the worst abusers against people of faith and even no faith, and stands as one of the key resources for advocates and governments. We welcome the new report and hope the United States Government will follow its recommendations,” she said.