United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

Source: News on Air

Context: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2025 report recommended designating India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged religious freedom violations.

• India strongly rejected the report, calling it “biased and politically motivated”.

About USCIRF Recommendations on India:

• Designation Suggested: USCIRF has urged the US government to label India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for “systematic and egregious” violations of religious freedom.

• Targeted Sanctions: The report recommended sanctions on India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, and individuals like Vikash Yadav under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

• Other Proposals: Review arms sales, including Predator drone deals. Highlight religious freedom in US-India diplomatic engagements. Reintroduce the Transnational Repression Reporting Act, 2024 to address global repression.

• Review arms sales, including Predator drone deals.

• Highlight religious freedom in US-India diplomatic engagements.

• Reintroduce the Transnational Repression Reporting Act, 2024 to address global repression.

• Though USCIRF’s recommendations are non-binding, they can influence US foreign policy, bilateral relations, defence deals, and global human rights discourse.

About USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom):

• Established by: US Congress under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), 1998.

• Type: Independent, bipartisan federal government agency.

• Governance: 9 Commissioners appointed by the President and Congressional leaders. Supported by a non-partisan staff.

• 9 Commissioners appointed by the President and Congressional leaders.

• Supported by a non-partisan staff.

• Not Under: US State Department (but works in coordination).

• Legal Framework: Guided by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• Core Functions of USCIRF:

• Monitor: Global trends and violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

• Advise: President, Secretary of State, and Congress on policy responses.

• Recommend: Designations like Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and sanctions under IRFA.

• Engage: With international partners, NGOs, religious groups, and human rights defenders.

• Advocate: For religious prisoners of conscience and raise awareness globally.

• Publish: Annual reports, thematic briefs, and maintain FoRB Victims List.