US designates China, Iran, Russia as countries of concern over Religious Freedom

The United States yesterday, December 2, designated China, Iran, and Russia, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act over severe violations. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that North Korea and Myanmar also include in the list.

The other countries designated as countries of particular concern were Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Algeria, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam were placed on the watch list.

Mr. Blinken further said, around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs.

Meanwhile, he said that Washington would welcome the opportunity to meet with all governments to outline concrete steps for removal from the lists.