USCIRF Criticizes State Department For Failing To Update CPC List

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on Friday issued a release criticizing the State Department for failing to update its list of "countries of particular concern" since 2006. Last week the State Department issued its 2008 International Religious Freedom Report (see prior posting), but did not accompany it with updated designations of countries that have engaged in particularly severe violations of religious freedom, as called for in the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (Sec. 402(b)(1)). No new designations have been made since 2006. (See prior posting.) In May, USCIRF made recommendations to the State Department on the countries that should be designated. However, by relying on 2006 designations, Vietnam, Pakistan and Turkmenistan remain off the State Department's list, against the recommendation of USCIRF. The Commission also differs with the State Department over the extent of reforms that have occurred in Saudi Arabia.