Yesterday the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom announced its 2005 recommendations on countries whose governments violate or tolerate serious interference with religious freedom. Those nations named as "countries of particular concern"-- the most egregious violators-- are ten who remain from last year: Burma, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. Added to the list this year was Uzbekistan because of its restrictive law on religion and its control over the way in which Islam can be practiced. India was removed from the list this year. A number of other countries were placed on a "watch list". These are Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Bangladesh. A third level of concern-- countries being monitored-- was expressed as to Laos and Georgia (both moved from last year's watch list), and as to Afghanistan, India, Iraq and Russia.
The full text of the Commission's Annual Report, containing policy recommendations, is available online. The International Religious Freedom Act requires the report to be issued each year.
