The United Kingdom is witnessing a sharp rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes, with reports suggesting that one mosque is attacked every five days. According to the British Muslim Trust, incidents including vandalism, intimidation, violence, hate speech, and online abuse have increased significantly across England and Wales. London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands remain among the worst-affected regions. The report also raises concerns over delays in government security funding for mosques, prompting calls for urgent reforms and stronger protection for places of worship.

Anti-Muslim attacks soar in Britain | UK mosques under increasing threat, says New Report

India has strongly criticized the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom report for 2023, accusing it of being biased and lacking a true understanding of India’s diverse social fabric. Watch in for more details!

India slams US report on religious freedom, says it's 'deeply biased'

A US delegation visiting Saudi Arabia was forced to cut short its visit after its chair was asked to remove his Jewish head covering (kippah). The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) delegation was visiting Diriyah, a historic town and UNESCO world heritage site, on Monday (Mar 11). However,&nbsp;Orthodox rabbi Abraham Cooper, the chair of the commission, called off the visit when he “refused the requests that he remove his religious head covering”.

“No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,” Cooper said in a statement.

<h2>Statement by USCIRF</h2>

USCIRF said Cooper and the vice-chair of the commission Rev Frederick Davie were invited to tour the site last Tuesday and the visit was already cleared by Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry.

As per allegations, officials requested that Cooper remove his kippah “while at the site and any time he was to be in public.”

The USCIRF dubbed the incident ‘regrettable’, saying that it was disappointing it happened to the representative of “an American government agency that promotes religious freedom”.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Will continue sports washing', says Saudi Arabia crown prince

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Cooper also invoked Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision to highlight the striking fundamental religious challenges. He noted, that Saudi Arabia “is in the midst of encouraging change under its 2030 vision.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj99pHT3u2EAxV7z6ACHYwcAEEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-find-cocaine-and-heroin-hidden-inside-passengers-guts-in-saudi-arabia-698563" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-find-cocaine-and-heroin-hidden-inside-passengers-guts-in-saudi-arabia-698563&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj99pHT3u2EAxV7z6ACHYwcAEEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts</a>

“However, especially in a time of raging antisemitism, being asked to remove my kippah made it impossible for us from USCIRF to continue our visit,” he added.

Rev Frederick, the vice-chair, also termed the incident as “stunning and painful”.

“It directly contradicted not only the government’s official narrative of change but also genuine signs of greater religious freedom in the kingdom that we observed firsthand,” he added.

<h2>USCIRF and Saudi Arabia</h2>

The commission is a controversial US government advisory body mandated by the US Congress.

The body has recommended the US Department of State designate Saudi Arabia as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for alleged systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations every year since 2000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US delegation visiting Saudi Arabia was forced to cut short its visit after its chair was asked to remove his Jewish head covering (kippah). The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) delegation was visiting Diriyah, a historic town and UNESCO world heritage site, on Monday (Mar 11).

A US delegation visiting Saudi Arabia was forced to cut short its visit after its chair was asked to remove his Jewish head covering (kippah). The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) delegation was visiting Diriyah, a historic town and UNESCO world heritage site, on Monday (Mar 11). However, Orthodox rabbi Abraham Cooper, the chair of the commission, called off the visit when he “refused the requests that he remove his religious head covering”. “No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,” Cooper said in a statement. Statement by USCIRF USCIRF said Cooper and the vice-chair of the commission Rev Frederick Davie were invited to tour the site last Tuesday and the visit was already cleared by Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry. As per allegations, officials requested that Cooper remove his kippah “while at the site and any time he was to be in public.” The USCIRF dubbed the incident ‘regrettable’, saying that it was disappointing it happened to the representative of “an American government agency that promotes religious freedom”. Watch: Gravitas: 'Will continue sports washing', says Saudi Arabia crown prince × Cooper also invoked Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision to highlight the striking fundamental religious challenges. He noted, that Saudi Arabia “is in the midst of encouraging change under its 2030 vision.” Also read: Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts “However, especially in a time of raging antisemitism, being asked to remove my kippah made it impossible for us from USCIRF to continue our visit,” he added. Rev Frederick, the vice-chair, also termed the incident as “stunning and painful”. “It directly contradicted not only the government’s official narrative of change but also genuine signs of greater religious freedom in the kingdom that we observed firsthand,” he added. USCIRF and Saudi Arabia The commission is a controversial US government advisory body mandated by the US Congress. The body has recommended the US Department of State designate Saudi Arabia as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for alleged systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations every year since 2000. (With inputs from agencies)

US delegation on religious freedom forced to leave Saudi Arabia over kippah row

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for &nbsp;“engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries. The CPC is considered as the US Government’s official term for countries that are the world’s worst offenders of religious freedom.

The State Department has however rejected the USCIRFs recommendation to include India as well in the list of Countries of Particular Concern. Credit for this must go to India’s impeccable credentials, aggressive diplomatic offensive by India and the prevalence of wise sense upon the policymakers in the USA.

After USCIRF’s annual report this year, 14 US Senators (10 Republicans and 4 Democrats) had urged the State Secretary to accept the recommendations. The move by the Senators was promptly welcomed by the so-called&nbsp;“The Coalition to Stop Genocide in India” (CSGI) which urged the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo not only to accept the USCIRF’s recommendation that India be designated as CPC but also to impose “targeted sanctions” against Indian agencies and officials “responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/ or barring their entry into the United States.”

While responding to a question from a Pakistani-American journalist at a Press Conference (December 8), as to why Pakistan was included in CPC whereas India was left out, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback said that in the case of Pakistan it was the state that was responsible for most of the violations whereas in India much of it was a result of communal violence.&nbsp;

Mr Brownback hit the nail on its head as far as Pakistan (and also China) was concerned. For there are numerous reports from diverse international bodies documenting the gross violation of human rights including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities as well as anti-government political activists who are being systematically discriminated by the state in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Ambassador Brownback rightly pointed out that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails. China’s track-record in this context is equally bad -be it the persecution of Uighur Muslims in concentration &nbsp;camps &nbsp;or the enactment of National Security Law in Hong Kong or demographic changes in Tibet or the forced sourcing of Pakistan’s ethnic minority girls for Chinese bridegrooms.&nbsp;

The US thus has every justifiable reason to designate Pakistan and China as Countries of Particular Concern.&nbsp; 
The US State Department’s decision to reject the USCIRF recommendation to include India in the CPC was arguably guided by reasons far more than what was cited by Ambassador Brownback.&nbsp;

The USA cannot ignore the fact that the freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of India which allows not only the freedom to pursue a religion of an individual’s choice but also to preach it freely. Institutional mechanisms are in place to protect this freedom.&nbsp;

The laws enacted by the Indian government are directed primarily towards preventing any abuse of these freedoms, &nbsp;for instance inducement to conversion through material incentives.&nbsp;

The global community has by and large accepted India’s narrative that the CAA is not devised to deprive Indian Muslims of their Indian citizenship, and that the cow slaughter related laws have been enacted to address the genuine religious sentiments of the Hindus who constitute 80 per cent of India’s population rather than offend any other religious community.&nbsp;

Further, India had condemned the USCIRF report, signalling its displeasure. In a strongly worded statement, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said (28th April, 2020) : “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels---. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.”&nbsp;

Finally, the US understands the possible adverse political fall-out of taking a decision which is not supported either by facts or by logic and reason but has the potential to create a highly avoidable irritant in bilateral relations with India for no good reasons particularly now when the two countries enjoy a &nbsp;comprehensive global strategic partnership and when the USA &nbsp;is counting on India as a counter-weight to China in Asia.

The USCIRF&nbsp;Report episode has thus ended in the humiliation not only of the Commission but also of the certain other anti-India lobbies in the USA.

However, there are larger issues in the given context, which need to be addressed. First and foremost is the question of the right of an individual country- the USA in this case- to judge unilaterally the conduct of the rest of the world on the basis of the standards the judging country wishes to impose on other countries.&nbsp;

Further, what purpose, if any, can such censures serve unless followed by persuasive or punitive measures to motivate or force the erring countries to mend their ways. In the given case the US State Department has designated Pakistan as CPC but for geopolitical considerations refrained from announcing any punitive sanctions against Pakistan despite repeated violations of human rights. Finally, why create parallel unilateral structures when multilateral inter-Governmental mechanisms – UN Human Rights Council in the given case- are already in place?&nbsp;

The newly elected US President should reconsider the US decision in 2018 to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and return to the Council with firm determination to reform and strengthen the organisation. The international community must make concerted efforts to reform as well as empower the Council so that it can take un-biased decisions, effectively protect human rights globally and enforce collective punitive actions wherever and whenever called for.&nbsp;

A similar approach must also be adopted for several institutions of global governance that require substantial reforms so that these organizations can inspire the global confidence in their ability to promote a just world order based on the collective will of the entire world community. In such a scenario, the need for unilateral actions and interventions would automatically stand obviated.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for “engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries.

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for “engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries. The CPC is considered as the US Government’s official term for countries that are the world’s worst offenders of religious freedom. The State Department has however rejected the USCIRFs recommendation to include India as well in the list of Countries of Particular Concern. Credit for this must go to India’s impeccable credentials, aggressive diplomatic offensive by India and the prevalence of wise sense upon the policymakers in the USA. After USCIRF’s annual report this year, 14 US Senators (10 Republicans and 4 Democrats) had urged the State Secretary to accept the recommendations. The move by the Senators was promptly welcomed by the so-called “The Coalition to Stop Genocide in India” (CSGI) which urged the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo not only to accept the USCIRF’s recommendation that India be designated as CPC but also to impose “targeted sanctions” against Indian agencies and officials “responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/ or barring their entry into the United States.” While responding to a question from a Pakistani-American journalist at a Press Conference (December 8), as to why Pakistan was included in CPC whereas India was left out, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback said that in the case of Pakistan it was the state that was responsible for most of the violations whereas in India much of it was a result of communal violence. Mr Brownback hit the nail on its head as far as Pakistan (and also China) was concerned. For there are numerous reports from diverse international bodies documenting the gross violation of human rights including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities as well as anti-government political activists who are being systematically discriminated by the state in Pakistan. Ambassador Brownback rightly pointed out that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails. China’s track-record in this context is equally bad -be it the persecution of Uighur Muslims in concentration camps or the enactment of National Security Law in Hong Kong or demographic changes in Tibet or the forced sourcing of Pakistan’s ethnic minority girls for Chinese bridegrooms. The US thus has every justifiable reason to designate Pakistan and China as Countries of Particular Concern. The US State Department’s decision to reject the USCIRF recommendation to include India in the CPC was arguably guided by reasons far more than what was cited by Ambassador Brownback. The USA cannot ignore the fact that the freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of India which allows not only the freedom to pursue a religion of an individual’s choice but also to preach it freely. Institutional mechanisms are in place to protect this freedom. The laws enacted by the Indian government are directed primarily towards preventing any abuse of these freedoms, for instance inducement to conversion through material incentives. The global community has by and large accepted India’s narrative that the CAA is not devised to deprive Indian Muslims of their Indian citizenship, and that the cow slaughter related laws have been enacted to address the genuine religious sentiments of the Hindus who constitute 80 per cent of India’s population rather than offend any other religious community. Further, India had condemned the USCIRF report, signalling its displeasure. In a strongly worded statement, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said (28th April, 2020) : “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels---. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.” Finally, the US understands the possible adverse political fall-out of taking a decision which is not supported either by facts or by logic and reason but has the potential to create a highly avoidable irritant in bilateral relations with India for no good reasons particularly now when the two countries enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership and when the USA is counting on India as a counter-weight to China in Asia. The USCIRF Report episode has thus ended in the humiliation not only of the Commission but also of the certain other anti-India lobbies in the USA. However, there are larger issues in the given context, which need to be addressed. First and foremost is the question of the right of an individual country- the USA in this case- to judge unilaterally the conduct of the rest of the world on the basis of the standards the judging country wishes to impose on other countries. Further, what purpose, if any, can such censures serve unless followed by persuasive or punitive measures to motivate or force the erring countries to mend their ways. In the given case the US State Department has designated Pakistan as CPC but for geopolitical considerations refrained from announcing any punitive sanctions against Pakistan despite repeated violations of human rights. Finally, why create parallel unilateral structures when multilateral inter-Governmental mechanisms – UN Human Rights Council in the given case- are already in place? The newly elected US President should reconsider the US decision in 2018 to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and return to the Council with firm determination to reform and strengthen the organisation. The international community must make concerted efforts to reform as well as empower the Council so that it can take un-biased decisions, effectively protect human rights globally and enforce collective punitive actions wherever and whenever called for. A similar approach must also be adopted for several institutions of global governance that require substantial reforms so that these organizations can inspire the global confidence in their ability to promote a just world order based on the collective will of the entire world community. In such a scenario, the need for unilateral actions and interventions would automatically stand obviated. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Opinion: US snubs anti-India lobbies, but larger issues remain to be addressed

Local authorities in South Korea's capital Seoul announced a ban on gatherings in the city due to surging cases of the novel coronavirus. Due to which government is facing accusations of curbing religious freedom. The new outbreak is turning into a battle.

South Korea: COVID-19 forces ban on gatherings in Seoul Churches

In April, a&nbsp;US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response.

No visas will be issued to the teams of the United States Commission on international religious freedom.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the decision in a letter to a member of parliament.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had raised objections made by the US Commission. The commission had advised the US government to designate India as a country of particular concern.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-report-on-religious-freedom-blames-pakistan-for-targeted-killing-of-minorities-305123">Also read:&nbsp;US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities</a>

It was the first time since 2004 that the commission made such a recommendation. It said religious freedom in India had seen a drastic turn downward.

The report cited the controversies around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which led to Delhi riots in February. It even mentioned the scrapping of special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The commission said religious minorities are under assault in India. It ranked India along with Pakistan, North Korea, China and Saudi Arabia.

The External Affairs minister has once again hit out at the commission.

In the letter, he said, "We do not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like UNCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizen's constitutionally protected rights."

Jaishankar assured the member of parliament that his ministry will not accept any such external interference or pronouncements.

Since the release of the report, India has maintained that the commission was driven by its prejudices and biases, and has no locus standi whatsoever.

But India has not responded to the comments made by top official in the Trump administration.

Samuel Brownback, the ambassador at large for international religious freedom said, "The US is concerned about what's happening in India in terms of religious freedom."

The comments came hours after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released the international religious freedom report for 2019.

In April, a US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response.

In April, a US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response. No visas will be issued to the teams of the United States Commission on international religious freedom. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the decision in a letter to a member of parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had raised objections made by the US Commission. The commission had advised the US government to designate India as a country of particular concern. Also read: US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities It was the first time since 2004 that the commission made such a recommendation. It said religious freedom in India had seen a drastic turn downward. The report cited the controversies around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which led to Delhi riots in February. It even mentioned the scrapping of special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The commission said religious minorities are under assault in India. It ranked India along with Pakistan, North Korea, China and Saudi Arabia. The External Affairs minister has once again hit out at the commission. In the letter, he said, "We do not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like UNCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizen's constitutionally protected rights." Jaishankar assured the member of parliament that his ministry will not accept any such external interference or pronouncements. Since the release of the report, India has maintained that the commission was driven by its prejudices and biases, and has no locus standi whatsoever. But India has not responded to the comments made by top official in the Trump administration. Samuel Brownback, the ambassador at large for international religious freedom said, "The US is concerned about what's happening in India in terms of religious freedom." The comments came hours after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released the international religious freedom report for 2019.

No visas for US Commission on international religious freedom: India

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

The US ''2019 International Religious Freedom Report'' that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities.

NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women.

"There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added.

According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP. Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities.

The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still, no coercing action has been taken.

According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report.

NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff.

"Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases. In some cases of the alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated.

On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims travelling from India.

However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment.

Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story.

Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith. The US ''2019 International Religious Freedom Report'' that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities. NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women. "There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added. According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP. Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities. The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still, no coercing action has been taken. According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report. NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff. "Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases. In some cases of the alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated. On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims travelling from India. However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment. Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story. Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF&nbsp;- United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report." Explaining, "Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels."

The statement said, "It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.”

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2020 Annual Report listed India alongside 14 countries like Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea in the "countries of particular concern" list. Countries are listed in the "countries of particular concern” (CPCs) because their "governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations" religious freedom.

The 95-page annual report said, "In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault."

Three members of the commission dissented from the majority view of listing India as a country of particular concern---Gary L Bauer, Johnnie Moore, Tenzin Dorjee.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Commissioner Gary Bauer said I must dissent from the decision of my fellow Commissioners to recommend India, the world’s largest democracy, for designation as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, placing India in a gallery of rogue nations in which it does not belong. The trend line on religious freedom in India is not reassuring.

But India is not the equivalent of communist China, which wages war on all faiths; nor of North Korea, a prison masquerading as a country; nor of Iran, whose Islamic extremist leaders regularly threaten to unleash a second Holocaust."

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF - United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom.

Paying back in the same coin, New Delhi on Tuesday evening termed USCIRF - United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as "organization of particular concern" after the Washington headquartered body listed India as a "countries of particular concern" due to "sharp downward turn" on Religious Freedom. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report." Explaining, "Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels." The statement said, "It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.” The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2020 Annual Report listed India alongside 14 countries like Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea in the "countries of particular concern" list. Countries are listed in the "countries of particular concern” (CPCs) because their "governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations" religious freedom. The 95-page annual report said, "In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault." Three members of the commission dissented from the majority view of listing India as a country of particular concern---Gary L Bauer, Johnnie Moore, Tenzin Dorjee. Commissioner Gary Bauer said I must dissent from the decision of my fellow Commissioners to recommend India, the world’s largest democracy, for designation as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, placing India in a gallery of rogue nations in which it does not belong. The trend line on religious freedom in India is not reassuring. But India is not the equivalent of communist China, which wages war on all faiths; nor of North Korea, a prison masquerading as a country; nor of Iran, whose Islamic extremist leaders regularly threaten to unleash a second Holocaust."

New Delhi terms USCIRF as organization of particular concern after it designates India as country of concern

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'.&nbsp; It has been downgraded to the lowest rank possible.

Countries placed along with India are --&nbsp;North Korea, the world's most secretive state and prison masquerading as a country and China,&nbsp;a country with re-education camps for minorities,&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;a nation which controls every aspect of its society and Pakistan --- a country which has left its minorities to die during this pandemic. India's equivalence to these regimes is outrageous.

But, for USCIRF the&nbsp;&nbsp;'steepest and most alarming deterioration' in religious conditions was in the largest thriving democracy in the world India.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has responded to these baseless charges and said that the panel is&nbsp;'biased and tendentious comments against India are not new... But on this occasion, its misrepresentation had reached new levels'

Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour."

The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

&nbsp;

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'. It has been downgraded to the lowest rank possible. Countries placed along with India are -- North Korea, the world's most secretive state and prison masquerading as a country and China, a country with re-education camps for minorities, Iran, a nation which controls every aspect of its society and Pakistan --- a country which has left its minorities to die during this pandemic. India's equivalence to these regimes is outrageous. But, for USCIRF the 'steepest and most alarming deterioration' in religious conditions was in the largest thriving democracy in the world India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has responded to these baseless charges and said that the panel is 'biased and tendentious comments against India are not new... But on this occasion, its misrepresentation had reached new levels' Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour." The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

India slams USCIRF which accused India of violating religious freedom

Donald Trump Addresses Media in his two day visit of India. He talks about religious freedom.Trump Said, PM Modi always want religious freedom in his Country.

US President Addresses Media, Talks about Religious Freedom

The US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of religious freedom in India when he meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two-day visit to India starting Monday, according to a senior administration official said, a sensitive subject for the Indian government.

The US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of religious freedom in India when he meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two-day visit to India starting Monday, according to a senior administration official said, a sensitive subject for the Indian government. White House confirmed that Trump will speak to Modi on India's recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Watch | Gravitas: Trump's obsession with crowd sizes × Prime Minister Modi-led BJP faced large scale protests at home and criticism abroad for enacting a citizenship law that is seen as discriminating against Muslims and has deepened concerns his administration in undermining India's secular traditions. Also read: Tight security in place ahead of mega Trump event in Ahmedabad That measure came months after the Indian government withdrew the special autonomy given to Jammu and Kashmir, tightening its hold. It also jailed dozens of political opponents and separatists and imposed a communications blackout. Trump, who is due in India on Monday, will talk about the two countries' shared traditions of democracy and religious freedom, the senior administration official said in a conference call on Friday ahead of the two-trip. "He will raise these issues, particularly the religious freedom issue, which is extremely important to this administration," the official said.

Trump plans to raise the issue of religious freedom with PM Modi: Official 

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">US State Department report </a>which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

"Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. 
 
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— Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1209544159889182722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-latest-report-religious-freedom-in-pak-continues-to-deteriorate-under-present-govt-268406/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom."

Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. 
Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms. "Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. #Pakistan rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. Press Release by @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/zM8cUsPsY2 — Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 24, 2019 × "The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added. Watch: The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom." Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan raises questions over credibility of US report on religious freedom, calls the process 'suspicious'

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."&nbsp;

The United States releases a&nbsp;list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year.

Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better.

And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of.

In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure.

Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year.

Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." The United States releases a list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year. Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better. And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of. In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure. Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

US re-designates Pakistan, China as countries curbing religious freedom

The U.S. blacklists China & Pakistan. Both countries languish in the blacklist and designated for lack of religious freedom. #US #China #Pakistan

U.S. blacklists China & Pak, both languish in the blacklist

In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-army-is-obsessed-with-india-because-it-justifies-its-indispensability-209455">Pakistan</a> continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government.

The discriminatory legislation by the Imran-khan led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities.

The UN commission has said that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially women and girls are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights.

In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan-religious freedom under attack', released in December, The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a commission of the united nations economic and social council, has expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan.

The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation which are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground.

The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens.

It contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities.

Based on the report, each year hundreds of women under the age of 18, are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men. With little or no hopes for being returned to their families.

Following these observations, the CSW has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in Pakistan continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government.

In the latest report, the United Nations' commission on the status of women has said that religious freedom in Pakistan continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present Imran Khan government. The discriminatory legislation by the Imran-khan led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities. The UN commission has said that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially women and girls are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights. In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan-religious freedom under attack', released in December, The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a commission of the united nations economic and social council, has expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan. The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation which are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground. The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens. It contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities. Based on the report, each year hundreds of women under the age of 18, are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men. With little or no hopes for being returned to their families. Following these observations, the CSW has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. (With inputs from ANI)

Religious freedom deteriorates in Pakistan: Women, children particularly 'vulnerable'

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The discriminatory legislation by the Imran&nbsp;Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated.&nbsp;

The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights.

In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan.

The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground.

The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens...

The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities.

As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families.

Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government. The discriminatory legislation by the Imran Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated. The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights. In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan. The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground. The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens... The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities. As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families. Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account.

United Nations slams Pakistan over religious freedom

U.N. Commission reports on discriminatory laws in Pakistan stated that Religious freedom in Pakistan continues to deteriorate under the present government.

U.N. latest report: 'Religious freedom in Pak continues to deteriorate under present govt'

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-people-have-freedom-of-religion-us-should-stop-using-issue-of-religion-to-interfere-china-236881">Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi</a>, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally.

Speaking at a high-level State Department conference on religious freedom, Pence listed Badawi along with prisoners in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-gave-you-nobel-peace-prize-for-what-trump-asks-yazidi-activist-nadia-murad-236832">Eritrea, Mauritania and Pakistan</a> who he said were being held for religious expression.

"The American people stand with them, and so today the United States of America calls upon the governments of Eritrea, Mauritania, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of conscience of these men and let these men go," Pence said.

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, was arrested in 2012 and&nbsp;sentenced for 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes in 2014 &nbsp;on charges of insulting Islam through electronic channels.

Vice President Mike Pence also vowed to press North Korea to respect freedom of religion, despite the narrow US focus on denuclearisation in high-profile summits.

"You can be confident, as President Trump continues to pursue the denuclearization of North Korea and lasting peace, the United States will continue to stand for freedom of religion of all people of all faiths on the Korean peninsula," he told a major gathering on religious freedom at the State Department.

Pence also informed that the United States is imposing sanctions on the leaders of two Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraq.

"Let me be clear, the United States will not stand idly while Iranian-backed militias spread terror," Pence told a high-level meeting on religious&nbsp;freedom, without naming the individuals targeted.

&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally.

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally. Speaking at a high-level State Department conference on religious freedom, Pence listed Badawi along with prisoners in Eritrea, Mauritania and Pakistan who he said were being held for religious expression. "The American people stand with them, and so today the United States of America calls upon the governments of Eritrea, Mauritania, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of conscience of these men and let these men go," Pence said. Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, was arrested in 2012 and sentenced for 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes in 2014 on charges of insulting Islam through electronic channels. Vice President Mike Pence also vowed to press North Korea to respect freedom of religion, despite the narrow US focus on denuclearisation in high-profile summits. "You can be confident, as President Trump continues to pursue the denuclearization of North Korea and lasting peace, the United States will continue to stand for freedom of religion of all people of all faiths on the Korean peninsula," he told a major gathering on religious freedom at the State Department. Pence also informed that the United States is imposing sanctions on the leaders of two Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraq. "Let me be clear, the United States will not stand idly while Iranian-backed militias spread terror," Pence told a high-level meeting on religious freedom, without naming the individuals targeted.

Free Badawi and others held in prison for religious expression: US to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson has slammed the US state department's 2018 International Religious Freedom report that alleged that some senior leaders of the BJP made inflammatory speeches against minority communities.

India rejects US global religious freedom report

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies".

Brownback criticised the Chinese government in a speech on Friday in Hong Kong, saying the Chinese government is engaged in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-a-great-embarrassment-for-humanity-turkey-196302">the persecution of Muslim Uighurs</a>, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners.

He described China's "war with faith" as "a war which they will not win".

The speech prompted a sternly worded response from the Chinese foreign ministry office in Hong Kong saying "we ask the US to respect the facts, stop the arrogance and prejudice and cease using religious issues to interfere in China's internal affairs".

Speaking to reporters in Taiwan on Monday during a forum on religious freedom, Brownback said his office has a list of hundreds of names of individuals in China who were missing and allegedly persecuted for their faith.&nbsp;

"Where are they? What is happening to them? Why can't their family members hear from them?" Brownback asked, challenging the Chinese government to respond to questions regarding the whereabouts of these individuals.&nbsp;

"The United States has designated (China) in its most problematic category of countries that persecute people of faith ... since 1999. &nbsp;And the situation has gotten notably worse in the last two years," he added.&nbsp;

"We are calling on alliances of countries and individuals to step up and to oppose these things when they take place."

According to UN experts, nearly one million Uighurs and other Turkic language-speaking minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang. Beijing denied the claim saying they are in "vocational education centres".

Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounter persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade" following "new laws seeking to control religious expression," said Open Doors, a global advocacy group in a January report.

Brownback was in Taiwan for a two-day forum on religious freedom jointly sponsored by Taiwan and the United States.&nbsp;

President Tsai Ing-wen in her opening address said Taiwan will always choose to stand with "those who were oppressed and whose religious rights were taken away by authoritarian regimes".

"Taiwan knows how it feels when someone tries to take away your rights, wipe out your identity, and challenge your way of life," Tsai said in an apparent reference to Beijing's political and military pressure towards Taiwan.

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies".

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies". Brownback criticised the Chinese government in a speech on Friday in Hong Kong, saying the Chinese government is engaged in the persecution of Muslim Uighurs, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners. He described China's "war with faith" as "a war which they will not win". The speech prompted a sternly worded response from the Chinese foreign ministry office in Hong Kong saying "we ask the US to respect the facts, stop the arrogance and prejudice and cease using religious issues to interfere in China's internal affairs". Speaking to reporters in Taiwan on Monday during a forum on religious freedom, Brownback said his office has a list of hundreds of names of individuals in China who were missing and allegedly persecuted for their faith. "Where are they? What is happening to them? Why can't their family members hear from them?" Brownback asked, challenging the Chinese government to respond to questions regarding the whereabouts of these individuals. "The United States has designated (China) in its most problematic category of countries that persecute people of faith ... since 1999. And the situation has gotten notably worse in the last two years," he added. "We are calling on alliances of countries and individuals to step up and to oppose these things when they take place." According to UN experts, nearly one million Uighurs and other Turkic language-speaking minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang. Beijing denied the claim saying they are in "vocational education centres". Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounter persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade" following "new laws seeking to control religious expression," said Open Doors, a global advocacy group in a January report. Brownback was in Taiwan for a two-day forum on religious freedom jointly sponsored by Taiwan and the United States. President Tsai Ing-wen in her opening address said Taiwan will always choose to stand with "those who were oppressed and whose religious rights were taken away by authoritarian regimes". "Taiwan knows how it feels when someone tries to take away your rights, wipe out your identity, and challenge your way of life," Tsai said in an apparent reference to Beijing's political and military pressure towards Taiwan.

China 'at war with faith': US envoy defends remark

Pakistan on Wednesday rejected as "unilateral and politically motivated" the U<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-adds-pakistan-to-blacklist-for-religious-freedom-violations-183342">S' decision to place it on its annual list </a>of nations that infringe on religious freedom.

The Trump administration on Tuesday designated Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and seven others as countries of particular concern for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."

"Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and politically motivated pronouncement released in the context of its annual religious freedom report," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"Besides the clear biases reflected from these designations, there are serious questions on the credentials and impartiality of the self-proclaimed jury involved in this unwarranted exercise," it said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-warns-global-users-their-tweets-violate-pakistani-law-183101">Pakistan is a multi-religious and pluralistic society </a>where people of diverse faiths and denominations live together, including around 4 per cent of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, it said.

Ensuring equal treatment of minorities and their enjoyment of human rights without any discrimination is the cardinal principle of the Constitution of Pakistan, the statement said.

It also called for an honest self-introspection to know the causes of the exponential rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in the US.

Pakistan on Wednesday rejected as "unilateral and politically motivated" the US' decision to place it on its annual list of nations that infringe on religious freedom.

Pakistan on Wednesday rejected as "unilateral and politically motivated" the US' decision to place it on its annual list of nations that infringe on religious freedom. The Trump administration on Tuesday designated Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and seven others as countries of particular concern for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." "Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and politically motivated pronouncement released in the context of its annual religious freedom report," the Foreign Office said in a statement. "Besides the clear biases reflected from these designations, there are serious questions on the credentials and impartiality of the self-proclaimed jury involved in this unwarranted exercise," it said. Pakistan is a multi-religious and pluralistic society where people of diverse faiths and denominations live together, including around 4 per cent of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, it said. Ensuring equal treatment of minorities and their enjoyment of human rights without any discrimination is the cardinal principle of the Constitution of Pakistan, the statement said. It also called for an honest self-introspection to know the causes of the exponential rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in the US.

Reject US government's blacklisting over religious freedom violations: Pakistan

WION Fineprint: Is religious freedom a myth in Pakistan?

A&nbsp;mandated to review facts and circumstances of a violation of international religious freedom have decided to postpone a hearing on freedom of religion or belief in India, which was scheduled for Wednesday.&nbsp;

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said the hearing titled 'Freedom of Religion or Belief in India: Rising Challenges &amp; New Opportunities for US Policy' would be held after the release of its annual report on international religious freedom in May next year.&nbsp;

"Due to an overwhelming response in interest on the topic of religious freedom in India by a wide variety of religious and civic organisations, the USCIRF has announced the postponement of this Wednesday's scheduled hearing in order to accommodate more participants and attendees," the commission said.

A mandated to review facts and circumstances of a violation of international religious freedom have decided to postpone a hearing on freedom of religion or belief in India, which was scheduled for Wednesday.

A mandated to review facts and circumstances of a violation of international religious freedom have decided to postpone a hearing on freedom of religion or belief in India, which was scheduled for Wednesday. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said the hearing titled 'Freedom of Religion or Belief in India: Rising Challenges & New Opportunities for US Policy' would be held after the release of its annual report on international religious freedom in May next year. "Due to an overwhelming response in interest on the topic of religious freedom in India by a wide variety of religious and civic organisations, the USCIRF has announced the postponement of this Wednesday's scheduled hearing in order to accommodate more participants and attendees," the commission said.

USCIRF hearing on religious freedom in India postponed

Growing extremism and religious intolerance are leading to thousands of Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus reportedly fleeing Pakistan.

Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn. Even atheists are being targeted.

The Ahmadiyya community is an endangered community in Pakistan in spite of being an Islamic sect, and has been a target of death threats openly.

Excommunicated by the second amendment to Pakistan&#39;s Constitution in 1974, the Ahmadiyyas have faced a severe backlash over the initial changes made regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of prophethood) in the Elections Reforms Bill passed in October.

According to the Pakistan Penal Code, an Ahmadi can be imprisoned for reading the Koran or even using Islamic titles, says a report published in the Asia Times.

The daily quotes Ahmadiyya spokesperson Saleem Uddin, as saying that the Ahmadis have been made scapegoats since the state of Pakistan was created in 1947, and added that people have forgotten the community&#39;s contribution in creating the country post-partition.

Atheists are another category of Pakistani citizens who are at huge risk, so much so that many of them have now deactivated their profiles over fears of being abducted. They also do not see their homes or the internet as safe spaces where they can share ideas.

Local atheists can pass off as Muslims, but Hindus and Christians are visible targets, as can be seen by the recent suicide bomb attack inside the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta.

Threats by Muslim radicals have prompted innumerable Christians to flee Pakistan and look for asylum elsewhere.

The fate of Hindus is no different according to the Asia Times article. They too are seeking shelter abroad.

PML-N Senator Ramesh Kumar was quoted, as saying, &quot;around 5,000 Hindus leave Pakistan every year&quot; because of the extensive persecution. This includes forced marriages and kidnapping for ransom, as well as attacks on Hindu temples.

&quot;Hatred against Hindus, primarily driven from the ideology of Two-Nation Theory, is deeply injected in the veins of raw minds through distorted history and fabricated tales taught in books,&quot; the daily quotes Pakistani human rights activist Kapil Dev, as saying.

Calls for filtering out religion and distorted versions of history promoting hatred against Hindus are being made more frequently.

Activists want to counter radical Islamist perspectives with a secular narrative, but Ibn Abdur Rehman, secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, doesn&#39;t see it happening anytime soon.

He told Asia Times. &quot;The state has surrendered to the radical Islamists and plans on gradually taking away every last bit of freedom from its citizens.&quot;&nbsp;

Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn.

Growing extremism and religious intolerance are leading to thousands of Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus reportedly fleeing Pakistan. Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn. Even atheists are being targeted. The Ahmadiyya community is an endangered community in Pakistan in spite of being an Islamic sect, and has been a target of death threats openly. Excommunicated by the second amendment to Pakistan's Constitution in 1974, the Ahmadiyyas have faced a severe backlash over the initial changes made regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of prophethood) in the Elections Reforms Bill passed in October. According to the Pakistan Penal Code, an Ahmadi can be imprisoned for reading the Koran or even using Islamic titles, says a report published in the Asia Times. The daily quotes Ahmadiyya spokesperson Saleem Uddin, as saying that the Ahmadis have been made scapegoats since the state of Pakistan was created in 1947, and added that people have forgotten the community's contribution in creating the country post-partition. Atheists are another category of Pakistani citizens who are at huge risk, so much so that many of them have now deactivated their profiles over fears of being abducted. They also do not see their homes or the internet as safe spaces where they can share ideas. Local atheists can pass off as Muslims, but Hindus and Christians are visible targets, as can be seen by the recent suicide bomb attack inside the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta. Threats by Muslim radicals have prompted innumerable Christians to flee Pakistan and look for asylum elsewhere. The fate of Hindus is no different according to the Asia Times article. They too are seeking shelter abroad. PML-N Senator Ramesh Kumar was quoted, as saying, "around 5,000 Hindus leave Pakistan every year" because of the extensive persecution. This includes forced marriages and kidnapping for ransom, as well as attacks on Hindu temples. "Hatred against Hindus, primarily driven from the ideology of Two-Nation Theory, is deeply injected in the veins of raw minds through distorted history and fabricated tales taught in books," the daily quotes Pakistani human rights activist Kapil Dev, as saying. Calls for filtering out religion and distorted versions of history promoting hatred against Hindus are being made more frequently. Activists want to counter radical Islamist perspectives with a secular narrative, but Ibn Abdur Rehman, secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, doesn't see it happening anytime soon. He told Asia Times. "The state has surrendered to the radical Islamists and plans on gradually taking away every last bit of freedom from its citizens."

Pakistan's minorities fleeing because of religious intolerance

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