The Latest U.S. List of Religious Freedom Violators Worldwide; Iran Remains a 'Country of Particular Concern'

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement announcing the latest list of countries, entities, and groups around the world that either violate or promote violations of religious freedom or play a role in the process of such violations. The Islamic Republic of Iran, along with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Eritrea, Cuba, Nicaragua, Russia, and Myanmar (formerly Burma), has been designated as a 'country of particular concern.' Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam have been placed on the 'special watch list' due to their involvement in or tolerance of religious freedom violations and inaction against them. The U.S. State Department's list of 'special watch list' entities includes groups such as Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis in Yemen, the Taliban, ISIS-Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (affiliated with Al-Qaeda). Blinken emphasized that violations of religious freedom extend beyond these countries and entities, urging governments worldwide to address issues such as attacks on religious communities and minorities, mass violence, long-term imprisonment for peaceful expression of beliefs, transnational repression, and calls for violence against religious groups. He expressed optimism that a continued commitment against hatred, intolerance, and persecution would pave the way for a future where all individuals can live with human dignity and equality. He reiterated the 'ongoing commitment of the U.S.' to promote religious freedom globally, stating that the publication of these lists reflects the United States' consistent stance against violations of religious freedom and its commitment to creating 'a world free from discrimination and persecution based on beliefs.' The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended in its annual report released in May that the Biden administration once again classify the Islamic Republic as one of the 'countries of particular concern.' Additionally, the commission called for referring Iran's case to the International Criminal Court. Dozens of political and civil activists condemned the actions of the 'Velayat-e Faqih' government in depriving Baha'is in Iran of 'basic rights.' Six detained Baha'i women in Hamadan were released on 'bail.' The Revolutionary Court sentenced a supporter of the 'Circle of Mysticism' to five years in prison. Human rights observers expressed concern that pressure on the Baha'i community in Iran intensified in the months of Mehr and Aban 1402. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom stated that mandatory hijab in Iran is a violation of human rights. Exclusively, the U.S. called the Islamic Republic's actions to force Jews to protest against Israel 'disgusting.' The death of a Jewish prisoner in Iran was reported; Tanaz Kolahchian stated that his Jewish identity increased the pressures and strictness he faced.