The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions on entities like the Rashtriya Swayam sevak Sangh (RSS) and the ruling BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) for violations of religious freedom. It has labeled India a “country of particular concern” and urged Washington to tie arms sales and trade policies to religious freedom.
USCIRF Recommends Sanctions on RSS and RAW
The external affairs ministry has not responded to USCIRF’s latest report. However, it has rejected its findings in previous years, calling them “biased” and “politically motivated.” Established in 1998 by Congress, the USCIRF monitors the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) around the world.
It makes recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The agency claims to act independently. But its nine commissioners appointed by the US President and senior leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate.
In its annual report, the USCIRF said that the conditions for religious freedom in India have “continued to deteriorate.” It accused the Indian government of “targeting” religious minorities and places of worship.
Aim to resolve Religious Freedom Issues
“Several states worked to introduce or strengthen anti-conversion laws with strict jail sentences. Indian authorities also allowed widespread detention and illegal expulsion of citizens and religious refugees and tolerated vigilante attacks on religious minority communities,” the report said.
The report criticized laws like the Waqf (Amendment) Act. It is because it brings significant changes to how Islamic charitable endowments are regulated and managed, and the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education Act.
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