Pakistan and China designated among countries of Particular Concern by the USA

Pakistan and China designated among countries of Particular Concern by the USA

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations

In news

• Recently, the US State Department has designated Pakistan and China among eight other countries that are of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.

Key takeaways

• Designation of the CPC is the top tier recommendation by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) when it comes to violation of international religious freedom. 
• It is followed by Special Watch List Countries for severe violations.
• Nations on the CPC list: Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
• USCIRF recommendation that India, Russia, Syria and Vietnam be also designated CPCs was not accepted by the US State Department.
• Governments that have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom are included in Special Watch List list.
• Comoros, Cuba, Nicaragua and Russia are on the list.