The Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State released its 2022 International Religious Freedom Report on May 16, 2023. The report covers the state of religious freedom in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary Of State, quoted former President Bill Clinton who signed the International Religious Freedom Act into law in 1998 in releasing the report “when we promote religious freedom, we also promote freedom of expression, conscience, and association, and other human rights.”
The Secretary said “this report assesses the actions of countries that are our partners and those with whom we have disagreements, evaluating all by the same standards. Its aim is to highlight areas where freedom of religion or belief is being repressed, to promote accountability, and ultimately drive progress toward a world where freedom of religion or belief is a reality for everyone everywhere.”
“The People’s Republic of China seized, imprisoned, and banished predominantly Muslim Uyghurs to re-education camps. They continue the repression of Tibetan Buddhists, Chinese Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners – many of whom are fleeing the PRC’s abuses,” said Ambassador Rashad Hussain from the Office of International Religious Freedom and who was also present with Secretary Blinken.
