United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

India has recently rejected the latest report released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, calling it “motivated and biased.” The report had recommended that the United States designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” and consider sanctions against certain Indian entities.

About USCIRF

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent and bipartisan U.S. federal government body. It was established under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.

Its primary role is to monitor the status of religious freedom across the world and provide recommendations to the U.S. government, including the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.

Composition and Structure

USCIRF consists of nine commissioners, who are appointed by the U.S. President and leaders from both political parties in the U.S. Congress. These commissioners are supported by a non-partisan professional staff.

Functions of USCIRF

USCIRF monitors the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally and prepares detailed assessments based on international standards. It publishes an annual report that:

• Identifies countries with serious violations of religious freedom

• Recommends designation as “Countries of Particular Concern (CPC)”

• Suggests policy actions such as sanctions or diplomatic measures

“Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”

The CPC category refers to countries where there are systematic, ongoing, and severe violations of religious freedom. USCIRF recommends such designations, but the final decision rests with the U.S. State Department.

International Standards

USCIRF bases its assessments on global human rights frameworks, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This article guarantees:

• Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion

• Freedom to change one’s religion

• Freedom to practice and express religion individually or collectively

India’s Position

India has rejected the USCIRF report, stating that it is biased and lacks objectivity. The government has also argued that such reports interfere in internal matters and fail to recognise India’s constitutional protections for religious freedom and its pluralistic society.