US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

29.03.2025

US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

Why in the news?                        

           The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently recommended targeted sanctions against India's external spy agency R&AW over alleged involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists.

 About US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF):

• It is a S. federal government commission created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
• Functions: USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress.
• USCIRF's nine commissioners are appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders of each political party.
• Their work is supported by a professional, nonpartisan staff.
• USCIRF issues an annual report that assesses the US government’s implementation of IRFA, highlights “Countries of Particular Concern” engaging in severe religious freedom violations, documents the conditions of religious freedom in many countries, and provides policy recommendations.
• It uses international standards to monitor religious freedom violations globally.
• Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that:
  • “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

                            Source: Hindustan Times

According to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, what rights are included under religious freedom?

A.Freedom to change religion or belief

B.Freedom to manifest religion in teaching, practice, worship and observance

C.Freedom to follow religious beliefs alone or in a community

D.All of the above

Answer D